Chordata is a phylum of animals that includes vertebrates, which are animals with a backbone or spinal column. It is one of the most diverse and successful phyla, with over 65,000 living species. Chordates are found in a wide range of habitats, from the deep sea to the highest mountains.
Characteristics of Chordates
Chordates are defined by several key characteristics:
Notochord: A flexible rod that runs along the length of the body for at least some period of their life cycle. In vertebrates, the notochord is replaced by the spinal column during development.
Chordates play crucial roles in ecosystems and have significant economic, ecological, and cultural importance. They provide food, contribute to medical research, and are a source of inspiration for art, literature, and mythology.
Study Guide
To study chordates effectively, consider the following tips:
Understand the key characteristics of chordates and be able to identify examples of each characteristic in different chordate groups.
Learn the classification of chordates and be able to distinguish between the three subphyla.
Explore the ecological and economic importance of chordates in various ecosystems and human societies.
Use diagrams, images, and videos to visualize the anatomy and behaviors of different chordate species.
Engage in hands-on activities such as dissections and field observations to deepen your understanding of chordates.
By mastering the fundamental concepts of chordates and their significance, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of this diverse and fascinating group of animals.
Energy - A. Energy is involved in all physical and chemical processes. It is conserved, and can be transformed from one form to another and into work. At the atomic and nuclear levels energy is not continuous but exists in discrete amounts. Energy and mass are related through Einstein's equation E=mc 2 . B. The properties of atomic nuclei are responsible for energy-related phenomena such as radioactivity, fission and fusion. C. Changes in entropy and energy that accompany chemical reactions influence reaction paths. Chemical reactions result in the release or absorption of energy. D. The theory of electromagnetism explains that electricity and magnetism are closely related. Electric charges are the source of electric fields. Moving charges generate magnetic fields. E. Waves are the propagation of a disturbance. They transport energy and momentum but do not transport matter.
Relate temperature to the average molecular kinetic energy.