DESCRIPTION
Phylum Chordata diverges from the other 8 phyla of Kingdom Animalia when organisms evolved to have a notocord, a flexible rod-shaped structure that supports the development of chordates. The most common members of the phyla Chordata are vertebrates, organisims containing in which the notocord develops into a backbone. This phyla includes birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. They display bilateral symmetry.
Vertebrates
Vertebrates have well developed organ systems. They have digestive systems with two openings and circulatory systems that move blood thorughout their body. The notocord develops into the backbone that surrounds and protects the nerve cord.
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Chimpanzee
(Pan troglodytes)
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Fur
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Mammary glads to feed young milk
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warm - blooded
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live young
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complete digestive and nervous system
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four - chamber heart
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bilateral symmetry (most all).
Western Meadow Lark
(Sturnella neglecta)
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feathers, 2 legs, 2 wings = flight
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nests to hold eggs
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hard waterproof shells on eggs
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care for young
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beaks - dont chew food, have gizzards
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warm - blooded
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use calls/songs to communicate .
Panther Chameleon
(Furcifer pardalis)
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waterproof skin
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scales
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three - chambered heart
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lungs all through life
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fluid filed eggs laid on land with leathery shell
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cold - blooded
Amphibians
Fish
Poisonous Dart Frog
(Dendrobatidae)
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spend part of life in water (young with gills) and part on land (adults with lungs)
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bodies change as they age = metamorphosis
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cold - blooded
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breath through moist skin
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three - chambered heart
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lay eggs without hard shells
American Paddlefish
(Polyodon spathula)
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spend entire life in water
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gills absorb oxygen gas from water
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paired fins for swimming