"Chordate" is the term used to refer to members of
phylum chordata, a
phylum of
animals characterized by the presence of a
cartilagenous supporting rod called a
notochord at some point in the
animal's
development. Chordates encompass
vertebrates, in whom the
notochord is replaced in early development by
vertebrae.
The two other main chordate attributes are a post-anal
tail and
pharyngeal slits. The
tail is only present in the
embryonic stage of those
animals who, like
humans, do not evidence one in their
mature forms. The
pharyngeal slits are most commonly used for
gills, but some
organisms are known to use them to collect food. They are only present in the
embryonic stage of most non-
aquatic animals, including
humans.
Chordates all have a
dorsal nerve cord.
Chordates all have a closed
circulatory system, generally with a
heart.
In early
embryonic development, chordates'
anuses form before their
mouths. Yes, that means you.