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Chapter: BIOLOGY (ZOOLOGY) Standard XI first year 11th text book Assignment topics question and answer Explanation Definition

Classification of Phylum Chordata

Classification of Phylum Chordata
In chordates, the food laden blood from the digestive tract passes through the capillary net work in the liver, before reaching the heart. Thus the veins originating from the digestive tract as capillaries and ending in the liver again as capillaries constitute the hepatic portal system.

Classification of Phylum Chordata

 

In chordates, the food laden blood from the digestive tract passes through the capillary net work in the liver, before reaching the heart. Thus the veins originating from the digestive tract as capillaries and ending in the liver again as capillaries constitute the hepatic portal system.

 

Classification.

 

The Phylum Chordata is classified into four sub phyla:

 

Sub phylum 1. Hemichordata,

 

Sub phylum 2. Cephalochordata

 

Sub phylum 3. Urochordata

 

Sub phylum 4. Vertebrata.

 

First three sub phyla are collectively known as Protochordates. Since the members of these sub phyla do not have a cranium or skull they are also referred to as Acrania.


Protochordata (Acrania)

 

The protochoradates are considered as the fore runners of vertebrata The classification of the protochordates is based on the nature of the noto-chord.

 

Sub phylum : Hemichordata.

  


These are exclusively marine organisms. They are solitary or colonial forms. They mostly remain as tubiculous forms. The body is soft, vermiform, unsegmented,bilaterally symmetrical and triploblastic. The body is divisible into three distinct regions namely proboscis, collar and trunk. The body wall is composed of single layer of epidermal cells. The dermis is absent. They have no endoskeleton. A projection from pharynx, projecting inside the proboscis may be considered as notochord. They have a spacious coelom lined by coelomic epithelium. The alimentary canal is a straight tube running between mouth and anus. They are ciliary feeders. Sexes are separate.

 

Examples : BalanoglossusSaccoglossus.

 

Sub phylum : Cephalochordata.

 

Cephalochordates are small fish like marine chordates. The persistent notochord extends forward beyond the brain. Hence these are called cephalochordates. The epidermis is single layered. Paired fins are absent. Muscles, nephridia and gonads are segmentally arranged. The pharynx is large with numerous gills. It is a filter feeder.

 

Example : Amphioxus.

 

Sub phylum : Urochordata

 

This taxon constitutes a unique group of animals exhibiting diversity in form and habit. In Urochordata the notochord is confined to the tail re-gion of the larva. The adults are mostly degenerate, sessile forms. The body is enveloped by a tunic or test. The free end of the body bears two openings, the mouth and the atriopore. The proximal part of the alimentary canal is greatly enlarged to form a spacious pharynx. They are hermaphroditic ani-mals. The development occurs through free swimming tadpole like larva.

 

Example : AscidiaDoliolumSalpa.

 

Sub phylum : Vertebrata (Craniata)

 


 

This group is characterized by the presence of brain case or cranium and a vertebral column which forms the chief skeletal axis of the body.

 

The notochord is an embryonic structure. It is replaced in the adult stage by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column. The body is covered with an integument having an outer epidermis and an inner dermis. The skin has many modifications such as glands, scales, feathers, claws horns and hairs.

 

The digestive system is ventral to the vertebral column. It is provided with a large liver and pancreas. The circulatory system consists of the ven-tral, chamberd heart. The circulatory system is of a closed type with arteries, veins and capillaries. The blood plasma contains red and white blood cor-puscles. Gill slits are limited in number (usually 5 pairs). There are two pairs of appendages. The anterior part of the nerve cord becomes differentiated into brain and spinal cord. The special organs of sense like the nose, eyes and ears are closely connected with the brain. Urinary and genital systems are closely connected to form an urinogenital system.



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BIOLOGY (ZOOLOGY) Standard XI first year 11th text book Assignment topics question and answer Explanation Definition : Classification of Phylum Chordata |


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