Chapter 34 - The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates

Question 1

vertebrates

Answer 1

animals with a backbone

Question 2

All chordates share a set of derived characters, though many species possess some of these traits only during embryonic development

Answer 2

a notochord; a dorsal, hollow nerve cord; pharyngeal slits or clefts; and a muscular, post-anal tail.

Question 3

A notochord

Answer 3

is a longitudinal, flexible rod located between the digestive tube and the nerve cord. It is composed of large, fluid-filled cells encased in fairly stiff, fibrous tissue. The notochord provides skeletal support throughout most of the length of a chordate, and in larvae or adults that retain it, it also provides a firm but flexible structure against which muscles can work during swimming