1. Phylum Chordata
By: Zak Klassen

2. Overview
The chordata phylum consists of three groups: Vertebrates, Tunicates, and Lancelets. All chordates share the same four features:
Notochord- flexible skeletal support rod embedded in animal’s back
Hollow nerve chord- forms section of ectoderm that rolls up during development
Pharyngeal slits- water can pass through the mouth and leave through slits without going the system
Tail- contains segments of muscle tissue for movement

3. Vertebrates
Large active animals with a well developed brain encased in a hard skull.
Example: Fox

4. Tunicates
(Urochordates) include free-swimming and sessile invertebrates.
Example: Sea squirt

5. Lancelets
(Cephalochordates) are small eel-like invertebrates commonly found in shallow tropical oceans.
Able to swim, but spend most of their time buried in sand, filtering water for food particles.
Example: Lancelet

6. Vertebrate Classes

7. Agatha
Oldest class of vertebrates.
Jawless.
Example: Lampreys

8. Chondrichthyes Cartilaginous fish Have skeletons made of cartilage.
Examples: Sharks, Rays, Chimeras

9. Osteichthyes Bony fish. Have skeletons made of bone.
Example: Ray-finned fish

10. Amphibia First to adapt to life on water and land.
Reproduce in water and moist land.
Examples: Salamanders, Frogs, Toads, Caecilians

11. Reptilia May live on land and water.
Produce eggs that do not need water.
Examples: Snakes, Lizards, Crocodiles, Alligators, Turtles

12. Aves Birds. Distinguished by feathers and other features.
Examples: Any bird

13. Mammalia
Animals with hair, mammary glands, and three middle ear bones.
Examples: Dogs, Bats, Humans, Monkeys