220k views
0 votes
Why is the Lancelet a chordate, but not a vertebrate?

User TitoOrt
by
6.0k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Lancelet is a chordate but not a vertebrate because it lacks a backbone

Step-by-step explanation:

The subphyla of the phylum Chordata are - Vertebrata, Urochordata and cephalochordate

Those chordates with a structural backbone belong to Vertebrata.

Urochordates and cephalochordates lack a backbone and hence are termed invertebrate chordates.

Lancelet is an invertebrate chordate of the subphylum – Cephalochordata.

The lancelets consist of a notochord that extends right from the head till the tail at the dorsal surface. The notochord acts like the backbone and provides support and a semi-flexible structure to aid in the movement of the organism.

They lack a developed nervous system like vertebrates but only has a dorsal nerve tube .

User JCurativo
by
6.3k points