Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

32. Vertebrates

Chordates

General Biology

32. Vertebrates

Chordates

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0:49 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Vertebrates and tunicates share
a. Jaws adapted for feeding
b. A high degree of cephalization
c. An endoskeleton that includes a skull
d. A notochord and a dorsal, hollow nerve cord

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the key characteristics of vertebrates and tunicates. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone, while tunicates are marine invertebrates that belong to the subphylum Tunicata within the phylum Chordata.

Identify the common features shared by all chordates, which include vertebrates and tunicates. These features are crucial for solving the problem.

Recall that chordates typically possess a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some stage in their life cycle.

Focus on the specific features mentioned in the problem: jaws, cephalization, endoskeleton, notochord, and nerve cord. Determine which of these are shared by both vertebrates and tunicates.

Conclude that the shared features between vertebrates and tunicates are the notochord and the dorsal, hollow nerve cord, as these are fundamental characteristics of all chordates.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Notochord

The notochord is a flexible, rod-shaped structure found in the embryonic stage of all chordates, including vertebrates and tunicates. It provides skeletal support and is crucial for the development of the vertebral column in vertebrates. In tunicates, the notochord is present during the larval stage, aiding in swimming and structural support.

Dorsal, Hollow Nerve Cord

The dorsal, hollow nerve cord is a key characteristic of chordates, running along the back of the organism. In vertebrates, it develops into the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Tunicates possess this feature during their larval stage, which is essential for transmitting nerve signals and coordinating movement.

Chordate Characteristics

Chordates are defined by specific features such as a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. These characteristics are present at some stage of development in all chordates, including vertebrates and tunicates, highlighting their evolutionary relationship and shared ancestry.