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Questions and Answers
What role does the vertebral column play in vertebrates compared to the notochord in protochordates?
What role does the vertebral column play in vertebrates compared to the notochord in protochordates?
Which of the following statements correctly describes the circulatory system of vertebrates?
Which of the following statements correctly describes the circulatory system of vertebrates?
What is a significant feature of the nervous system development in vertebrates that distinguishes them from protochordates?
What is a significant feature of the nervous system development in vertebrates that distinguishes them from protochordates?
What resembles a key difference in reproductive structures between vertebrates and protochordates?
What resembles a key difference in reproductive structures between vertebrates and protochordates?
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Which characteristic is unique to protochordates and not found in adult vertebrates?
Which characteristic is unique to protochordates and not found in adult vertebrates?
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Study Notes
Advanced Vertebrate Features
- Vertebrates have a vertebral column (backbone) made of vertebrae separated by discs. Some retain the notochord.
- Vertebrates have a brain as part of their central nervous system.
- Vertebrates have a chambered heart with red blood cells (RBCs).
- Most vertebrates have separate sexes, except some fish.
- Fertilization occurs in the animal pole pathway (e.g. in mammals).
- Vertebrates have neural crest cells that develop into parts of their nervous system.
- The endostyle is usually present in larval stages of some vertebrates but not adults.
Other Vertebrate Features
- A cranium (skull) protects the brain.
- Vertebrates have a muscular system attached to their endoskeleton for movement.
- Vertebrates have a closed circulatory system.
- Skin may have scales, feathers, fur, or hair.
- Paired kidneys are for excretion.
- Endocrine glands are throughout the body.
Protochordate Features
- Notochord persists throughout life.
- Protochordates lack a cranium or vertebral column.
- An atrium (space between pharynx and body wall) is present.
- An endostyle is present (except in hemichordates) and a precursor to the thyroid gland in higher vertebrates.
- Protochordates lack neural crest cells in nervous system development.
- Pharyngeal slits/clefts are present throughout life.
- Protochordates have no chambers in their heart, and no blood cells.
- Some are separate sexes (dioecious), while others are monoecious (e.g. most urochordates).
- During fertilization, sperm and ovum unite along the vegetal pole pathway.
- Examples are hemichordates, urochordates, and cephalochordates.
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Description
Test your knowledge of advanced vertebrate features, including the structural and physiological characteristics that define this diverse group of animals. Explore unique aspects such as the vertebral column, brain structure, and circulatory system. Ideal for students studying vertebrate biology or related courses.
