Chordates and Notochord Characteristics

The video explains that humans belong to the phylum Cordata due to the presence of a notochord during embryonic development, which later becomes the spinal cord. Other chordates, like hagfish and lampreys, retain their notochord into adulthood. All chordates share features such as a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, a muscular tail, and a closed circulatory system with a heart. Examples of chordates include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Which phylum do humans belong to due to the presence of a notochord during embryonic development?

• Arthropoda

• Chordata

• Echinodermata

• Mollusca

What happens to the notochord in humans as they develop?

• It turns into a tail

• It remains unchanged

• It becomes a spinal cord

• It disappears completely

Which of the following chordates retains their notochord into adulthood?

• Birds

• Hagfish

• Frogs

• Humans

What is a common feature of all chordates?

• Open circulatory system

• Dorsal nerve cord

• Exoskeleton

• Gills

Which of the following is NOT an example of a chordate?

• Mammals

• Insects

• Amphibians

• Fish