Answer to Question #161358 in Zoology for Parvathy

Question

Differentiate between chordates and non chordates

Answer 1

Chordates and non chordates both the terms are used for animals and they belong to different phla of animalia kimgdom.

The major difference between chordates and non chordates is that, chordates have spinal-cord or back bone in there body structure whereas non-chordates are without back bone or notochord in there body structure

Some other difference between chordates and non chordates is given below:-

1-Limbs:- chordates have two pair Limbs while non-chordates have more than two pair of limbs

2-Heart:- in chordates heart is ventrical with haemoglobin and rbc and limb while in non-chordates heart is in a dorsal or lateral position with limbs

3-Circulatory system :- chordates have closed circulatory system while in non-chordates open circulation of blood takes place

4-Gill slits:- in chordates pharyngeal gills slits are present but they are absent in non-chordates.

5-Respiration :- respiration occurs through gills or lungs in chordates while in non-chordates respiration occurs through gills, trachea or body surface.

6-Body Fluid:- In chordates haemoglobin is present as body fluid while in non-chordates haemoglobin is absent Instead haemolymph is present which is analogous to blood in vertebrates.

7-Symmetry :- chordates have bilaterally Symmetry while non-chordates have bilaterally, bi-radial and asymmetrical or radial.

8-Coelomates:- chordates are true coelomates while non-chordates can be coelomates acoelomates or pseudo-coelomates.

9-Exoskeleton :- exoskeleton is present in some of the chordates. Ex-tortoises. While in non-chordates exoskeleton is not in all non chordates.

10-Endoskeleton:- Endoskeleton is present in all chordates while Endoskeleton is absent in all non chordates.

11- Brain :- the brain of chordates is present and located dorsal to the pharynx in the head while in non-chordates brain is absent and if present then brain is not complex as of chordates.

12-Examples:- reptiles, amphibia and humans are the example of chordates while protozoa, Arthropods, and Annelida are the example of non-chordates.