Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Key Differences Between Chordates and Non-Chordates

ffImage
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon
SearchIcon

Chordates Vs. Non-Chordates – Understanding the Differences

Chordates and non-chordates represent two major divisions within the animal kingdom, characterized by distinct anatomical and physiological features. Understanding these differences is important for understanding animal biology and classification. The major point to differentiate between chordates and non-chordates is that chordates have a spinal cord or backbone in their body structure whereas non-chordates are without backbone or notochord in their body structure.


Major Distinctions Between Chordates and Non-Chordates

Feature

Chordates

Non-Chordates

Notochord

Present at some lifecycle stage

Completely absent

Central Nervous System

Dorsal, hollow nerve cord

Ventral, solid nerve cord or scattered nerve cells

Heart Position

Ventral side

Dorsal side, if present

Body Symmetry

Bilateral symmetry

Bilateral or radial symmetry

Pharyngeal Slits

Present at some stage

Absent

Tail

Post-anal tail present

Generally absent

Circulatory System

Closed circulatory system

Open or closed circulatory system

Level of Organization

Organ-system level

Cellular, tissue, or organ level

Examples

Mammals, birds, fishes

Insects, molluscs, worms



Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success

FAQs on Key Differences Between Chordates and Non-Chordates

1. What are the 5 major differences between chordates and non-chordates?

The five major differences include presence/absence of a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, type of symmetry, and circulatory system type.

2. What is the difference between a chordate and a Chordata?

Chordata is the scientific name for the phylum containing all chordates, whereas a chordate is any animal belonging to this phylum.

3. What is the difference between protochordates and non-chordates?

Protochordates possess rudimentary notochords and are considered primitive chordates. Non-chordates entirely lack a notochord.

4. What are the 5 main chordates?

The five main groups are fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

5. What are the 9 non-chordates?

The nine primary phyla include Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Echinodermata.

6. What are the 7 characteristics of a chordate?

The seven characteristics include a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, post-anal tail, bilateral symmetry, closed circulatory system, and organ-system organization.

7. Is a dog a Chordata?

Yes, a dog belongs to the phylum Chordata.

8. What are the 7 classifications of animals?

Animals are classified into Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.

9. What is the difference between chordates and Hemichordates?

Chordates have a complete notochord and dorsal nerve cord, while hemichordates have a rudimentary structure called a stomochord and a nerve cord that's partially dorsal.

10. What is a notochord?

A notochord is a flexible, rod-like structure supporting the body in embryonic stages of chordates.

11. Which is the biggest non-chordate animal?

The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is considered the largest non-chordate animal.