click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Cephalochordate
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Common features of chordate | Multicellular Bilateral symmetry Deuterostome development Sister phylum to echinoderms |
| Defining features of Chordates | 1. Notochord 2. Hollow dorsal nerve chord - Gives rise to the central nervous system. 3. Pharyngeal slits 4. (Endostyle) 5. Post-anal tail |
| Skeleton & Locomotion | • Cephalochordate myomeres are V (>) shaped. • The notochord and muscles work together to allow locomotion. • Coordinated contraction of muscles allows for side bending, and swimming. |
| Feeding & Digestive system | Suspension feeders, with a one-way digestive system. • Food (with water) enters the pharynx, gets trapped by mucus secreted by the endostyle, moves through the gut, and out the anus. • Water (with food) enters the pharynx, passes through the pharynge |
| Circulatory & Respiratory Systems | Closed circulatory system with blood vessels. • Blood is plasma-like; no pigments or blood cells. • No heart; contractile blood vessels. • Pharyngeal slits are not yest gill slits; not specialized for gas exchange. |