Vertebrates

• which phylum are vertebrates in?

  Chordata
• what are the defining features of vertebrates?

  vertebral column, craniums, spinal cords and neural crests
• when did most phyla appear?

  during the Cambrian explosion
• what must all chordates have at at least one point in their life cycle?

  notochord, dorsal hallow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits and postanal tail
• what is notochord?

  a stiff cartilaginous rod that extends along the inside of the body
• what are the two groups of non vertebrate chordates?

  tunicates and lancelets
• what are tunicates?

  small marine animals
• what are lancelets?

  Marine chordates
• what are the seven major extant groups of vertebrates?

  jawless fish, cartilaginous fish, bony fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals