Deuterostomes and Chordates

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to deuterostomes and chordates, including definitions and characteristics.

Deuterostomes

A group of animals that develop the anus from the blastopore during embryonic development.

Phylum Echinodermata

A phylum of exclusively marine deuterostomes characterized by an endoskeleton and pentaradial symmetry.

Pentaradial symmetry

A symmetry pattern where body parts are arranged around a central axis, typical of adult echinoderms.

Water-vascular system

A network of hydraulic canals unique to echinoderms used for movement, feeding, and gas exchange.

Regeneration

The ability of many echinoderms to regrow lost parts, some can even reproduce asexually by splitting.

Class Chordata

A phylum that includes all animals with a dorsal nerve cord, notochord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some stage of their life.

Notochord

A flexible rod-like structure that runs along the length of the body in chordates, providing support.

Pharyngeal slits

Openings in the pharynx that develop into gill structures in fish and various other structures in other groups.

Amniotic egg

A type of egg that provides a protective environment for the developing embryo, characteristic of reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Mammalia

A class of animals characterized by the presence of mammary glands, hair, and a higher metabolic rate.