A Chordate is an animal that has, for some stage of its life, a dorsal, hollow never cord, a notocord, pharyngeal poches, and a tail that extends beyond the anus.
Habitat
Live all over the world, chordates do not have a set habitat.
Structures and Functions of Chordata
Chordates have all 4 of these traits, although some may only be expressed during embryonic development.
Notochord - a longitudinal, flexible rod located between the gut and nerve cord.
Present in all chordate embryos
Hollow nerve cord - develops from the ectoderm, the brain and spinal cord develop from this nerve cord.
Pharangeal Pouches - open to the outside of the body from the mouth, can develop into gills or parts of an ear.
Tail - a tail expanding beyond the anus, provides much of the propulsive force in aquatic species.
Interesting Facts about Chordata
Some animals belonging to the chordata phylum may not have a spine.
All chordates have blood enclosed in blood vessels, even though they may not have blood cells.