Chordata
Classification: Chordata's higher classification, or what it is under is a Deuterostome. The other classes that are under Chordata is Tunicate, Lancelet, Craniate, Vertebrate, Fish, Procera, and Hyperoartia.
Diversity: The phylum Chordata is an extremely diverse phylum, and the one most recognizable to us. The phylum contains about 43,700 species, most of them concentrated in the subphylum Vertebrata, making it the third-largest phylum in the animal kingdom. Life History: One of the phylum uder Chordata, vertebrata, is the most important, and is distinguished by a backbone (made either of bone or cartilage) containing interlocking vertebrae and a skull enclosing a brain. These two features serve to protect the entire central nervous system, and in addition give support and structure to the body; these bones also form part of a larger system of bones, the endoskeletal system. Unlike the exoskeleton of other phylums such as the arthropods, which must be shed periodically, this endoskeleton is permanent and can grow with the organism. This endoskeleton gives vertebrates a competitive edge over all other animals, as it can easily be scaled for use in large organisms, and it allows these organisms to be relatively light and fast-moving. In comparison, most organisms with an exoskeleton are small and slow-moving, due to the limitations of their large and bulky skeletal system. Ecological Roles: Vertebrates function as both predator and prey in marine, terrestrial, and freshwater environments. Carnivores and herbivores, along with insectivores will be found among the vertebrates. Most invertebrate chordates are sessile marine filter feeders or sessile marine predators in adulthood. By Elana Bravo |