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Chordate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chordate

[หˆkษ”หrdeษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biological classification

Chordates are a group of animals that belong to the phylum Chordata. They are characterized by having a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some stage of their development. Chordates include vertebrates (such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) as well as some simple forms known as invertebrate chordates. This diverse group of animals is distinguished by their complex structure and organ systems, which allow for various adaptations in different environments.

Synonyms

animal, organism, vertebrate.

Examples of usage

  • Humans are classified as chordates.
  • Fish are a significant group within chordates.
  • The evolutionary history of chordates is fascinating.
  • Many chordates have vertebral columns.
  • Amphibians are a class of chordates.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Evolutionary Biology

  • Chordates are part of a larger group called 'deuterostomes,' which includes other creatures like echinoderms, showing deep evolutionary connections.
  • The evolutionary lineage of chordates dates back approximately 500 million years, highlighting their ancient origins in marine environments.

Science

  • Chordates possess a notochord at some stage of their development, which is a flexible rod that provides support and develops into the spine in vertebrates.
  • This group encompasses more than 65,000 species, showcasing an incredible diversity in forms, behaviors, and habitats.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular animated films, such as 'Finding Nemo' and 'The Lion King,' feature chordates, showcasing their significance in storytelling and representation.
  • Fictional characters like Simba and Dory are often based on real chordate animals, bringing awareness to the wonders of wildlife.

Conservation

  • Chordates are crucial indicators of environmental health; their presence or absence can signal the status of ecosystems.
  • Many chordate species are currently endangered due to habitat loss and climate change, making conservation efforts vital for their survival.

Origin of 'chordate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chordate' comes from the Greek word 'chorde,' meaning 'string' or 'cord,' referencing the notochord structure in these animals.
  • An earlier use of the term can be traced back to the 19th century, where scientists began classifying animals based on their anatomical structures.

The term 'chordate' comes from the Greek word 'chordฤ' which means 'string' or 'cord'. It was first introduced in scientific literature in the 19th century to describe animals that possess a notochord, a flexible rod that provides support. This classification reflects the morphological characteristics that these animals share during some stage of their development. The phylum Chordata was formally established in the late 1800s as biological understanding evolved, with more emphasis on evolutionary relationships among species. The study of chordates has played a crucial role in fields such as evolutionary biology, anatomy, and comparative physiology, contributing to our understanding of the complexity and diversity of life on Earth.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,089, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.