How are chordates capable of locomotion in vertebrates?

How are chordates capable of locomotion in vertebrates?

Locomotion Chordates are capable of locomotion by means of muscular movements at some stage in life. In tunicate larvae, this is accomplished using a tail; in cephalochordates, by undulations of the body; and in vertebrates, by general body movements (as in eels and snakes) and by the action of fins and limbs,…

What are the physical characteristics of a Chordata?

Other characteristics of chordates include: 1 Bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic, coelomic and segmented body. 2 The body design is complex and well-differentiated. 3 The body has an organ system level of organization.

What is the difference between locomotion and movement?

Locomotion and Movement Movement is when the living organism moves a body part or parts to bring without a change in the position of the organisms. Locomotion is when the movement of a part of the body leads to change in the position and location of the organism.

Where is the notochord located in a chordate?

The chordates are named for the notochord, which is a flexible, rod-shaped structure that is found in the embryonic stage of all chordates and in the adult stage of some chordate species. It is located between the digestive tube and the nerve cord, and provides skeletal support through the length of the body.

Locomotion Chordates are capable of locomotion by means of muscular movements at some stage in life. In tunicate larvae, this is accomplished using a tail; in cephalochordates, by undulations of the body; and in vertebrates, by general body movements (as in eels and snakes) and by the action of fins and limbs,…

What are the characteristics of the Chordata phylum?

Animals in the phylum Chordata share four key features that appear at some stage during their development: a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail (Figure 2). In some groups, some of these are present only during embryonic development.

What does the notochord do in a chordate?

Chordates are defined as organisms that possess a structure called a notochord, at least during some part of their development. The notochord is a rod that extends most of the length of the body when it is fully developed. Lying dorsal to the gut but ventral to the central nervous system, it stiffens the body and acts as support during locomotion.

What are the characteristics of a lancelet chordate?

For eg., Lancelets possess the notochord and nerve cord throughout their life. However, they lack the brain and bony vertebral column like Branchiostoma. The characteristic features of vertebrates include: These are advanced chordates and have cranium around the brain. The notochord is replaced by a vertebral column in adults.