chordate
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Definition
Noun:
- An animal of the phylum Chordata: A chordate is any animal that, at some stage of its life, has a notochord (a flexible rod supporting the body), a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. This phylum includes vertebrates (like mammals, birds, fish) and some invertebrates (like tunicates and lancelets).
Adjective:
- Relating to the Chordata: Describing characteristics of or belonging to the phylum Chordata.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Humans, birds, and fish are all chordates.
- The lancelet is a simple chordate that retains its notochord into adulthood.
Adjective:
- The chordate embryo shows clear pharyngeal slits.
- Scientists study chordate anatomy to understand vertebrate evolution.
Advanced Usage
"Chordate characteristics": The defining anatomical features shared by members of the phylum.
- The presence of a notochord is a key chordate characteristic.
"Protochordate": A term sometimes used for invertebrate chordates, such as tunicates and cephalochordates, which are considered precursors to vertebrates.
- Amphioxus is a well-studied protochordate.
Variants and Related Words
Chordata (n): The scientific name for the phylum.
- The phylum Chordata is divided into three subphyla.
Notochord (n): The defining flexible rod present in all chordate embryos.
- In vertebrates, the notochord is typically replaced by the vertebral column.
Synonyms
- Vertebrate (n): While all vertebrates are chordates, not all chordates are vertebrates. "Vertebrate" is a more specific synonym for the major subgroup.
- Craniate (n): A chordate with a head (cranium); essentially synonymous with vertebrates.
Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)
- Invertebrate chordate: A chordate animal that lacks a backbone, such as a tunicate.
- The sea squirt is an example of an invertebrate chordate.
Adjective
- of or relating to or characteristic of the Chordata
Noun
- any animal of the phylum Chordata having a notochord or spinal column