Ncert Exercises & Solutions

Give three major differences between chordates and non chordates and draw a schematic sketch of a chordate showing those features.

The major differences between Chordates and Non-chordatesare as follows

Chordates

Non-Chordates

1. A notochord is present at some stage in the life cycle of a chordate.

2. Gill slits are present in the pharynx either in embryo or in adult organism.

3. Tail is present at some stage in the life of the chordate.

4. Heart is ventrally located.

5. Central nervous system is dorsal and hollow in chordates.

Notochord is not present at any stage in the life cycle of a non-chordate.

Pharyngeal gill slits ate absent.

Tail is absent in non-chordates.

Heart (if present) is dorsally located.

Central nervous system in non-chordates is solid and ventrally located.

Schematic sketch illustrating important characters of chordates is shown below