Chordates
The phylum Chordata consists of a group of animals that have, at some time in their life cycle, a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle, and a post-anal tail.
Vertebrates are a group of animals belonging to the Chordata. They have in common that they have backbones or spinal columns. With the exception of lampreys they also have jaws.
The vertebrates are divided in five classes:
- Fish (Pisces)
- Amphibians (Class Amphibia)
- Reptiles (Class Reptilia)
- Birds (Aves)
- Mammals (Mammalia)