NOTOCHORDAL VERTEBRATE Meaning and
Definition
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A notochordal vertebrate refers to a distinct group of animals characterized by the presence of a notochord during their early embryonic and larval stages. The notochord is a flexible, rod-shaped structure that runs along the length of the body, providing support and acting as a precursor to the vertebral column or backbone.
These notochordal vertebrates belong to different taxonomic groups and include organisms such as tunicates, amphioxus (also known as lancelets), and some sea squirts. While they possess a notochord during their development, their adult forms may lack a true backbone or vertebral column.
Tunicates, also known as sea squirts, are marine organisms that have a notochord during their larval stages but lose it as they metamorphose into sessile adults. Amphioxus, on the other hand, retains the notochord throughout its life, serving as its main structural support in absence of a backbone.
The concept of notochordal vertebrates is important for understanding the evolutionary history of chordates, the broader group to which these animals belong. It highlights the ancestral characteristics that were likely present in the common ancestor of all vertebrates and helps in tracing the origins and development of the vertebrate body plan.
In summary, notochordal vertebrates are a diverse group of animals that possess a notochord during certain stages of their development. This structure provides temporary structural support and is a key feature in understanding the evolutionary history of vertebrates.
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One of the lower vertebrates, as certain fishes, in which the notochord persistsunossified, in adult life.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NOTOCHORDAL VERTEBRATE
- notoochordalvertebrate
- n otochordal vertebrate
- no tochordal vertebrate
- not ochordal vertebrate
- noto chordal vertebrate
- notoc hordal vertebrate
- notoch ordal vertebrate
- notocho rdal vertebrate
- notochor dal vertebrate
- notochord al vertebrate
- notochorda l vertebrate
- notochordal v ertebrate
- notochordal ve rtebrate
- notochordal ver tebrate
- notochordal vert ebrate
- notochordal verte brate
- notochordal verteb rate
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- notochordal vertebrat e
Etymology of NOTOCHORDAL VERTEBRATE
The word "notochordal" refers to the notochord, which is a flexible rod-like structure found in the embryos of many chordate animals (including vertebrates). The notochord provides support and serves as an axis around which the body develops. The term "vertebrate" comes from the Latin word "vertebra", meaning a joint or a joint of the spine. It refers to animals with a segmented backbone or spine. The word "notochordal vertebrate" thus combines these two terms to describe animals that possess a notochord and a segmented backbone, which includes all vertebrates.
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