Chapter 11 Section 1

1. Chapter 11 Section 1 What is a vertebrate?

2. Characteristics of Chordates • Chordate-- phylum whose members • Notochord • Nerve chord • Slits in their throat area at some point in their life

3. Notochord • A flexible rod that supports a chordate’s back • Some chordates have a notochord all their lives • Vertebrates notochord is replaced by a backbone

4. Nerve Cord in Back • Notochords have a nerve cord that runs down their back • Example: spinal cord • Connection between brain and the nerves, messages can travel back and forth

5. Slits in throat Area • Slits in throat area are called pharyngeal • Slits/Gill Slits • Some chordates keep their gill slits • Many vertebrates pharyngeal slits disappear before birth

6. Characteristics of Vertebrates • Vertebrate • Backbone that is part of an internal skeleton • Made up of many similar bones, lined up in a row (like beads on a string… the string is the spinal cord) • Flexible: Supports and allows the animal to move, movable connections between vertebrae

7. Backbone • Backbone = spine, runs down center of back • Part of the endoskeleton

8. Internal Skeleton • Endoskeleton • Protects the internal organs of the body • Helps give the body shape • Gives muscles a place to attach • Includes • Skull, protects brain • Ribs, protect heart, lungs, and other internal organs

9. Keeping Conditions Stable