Verebrates - Chordates

Question 1

where do vertebrates get their name from?

Answer 1

-vertebrae - the series of bones that make up the backbone

Question 2

what are the four main characteristics all chordates share?

Answer 2

1. notochord - becomes part of backbone
2. hollow dorsal nerve cord - becomes CNS
3. pharyngeal gill slits - used for suspension feeding, becomes head and neck
4. post-anal tail - tail extending past anus in at least one stage of chordate life

Question 3

what are the characteristics of the subphylum cephalochordata? what animal does this phylum include?

Answer 3

-includes lancelets
-named for bladelike shape, adult has chordate characteristics
-found in tropical and soft sandy marine substrates, suspension feeders

Question 4

what are the characteristics of the subphylum urochordata? what animal does this phylum include?

Answer 4

-includes tunicates / sea squirts
-no vertebral column, sessile marine filter feeder
-marine habitat, larval stage shows chordate characteristics