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Phylum Chordata: NCERT Biology Notes, Classification & MCQs for NEET




Introduction : 
  • Chordates are higher animals that have characteristics features like - Dorsal tubular nerve cord,  dorsal  Notochord and pharyngeal gill slit.
Hum isse pehle  non chordates animals ko  Phylum Hemichordata  ke sath  complete kar chuke hai.
  • In addition to this , they have closed circulatory system and a specific post anal tail.
Sirf Notes hi nahi, is chapter ke Full Video Lectures aur MCQs ke liye hamara [NEET Biology Master Hub] visit karein — Jahan milega NEET 2026 ka complete study material ek hi jagah!
  • Chordates are Triploblastic ll, Coelomate, bilateral symmetrical with organ system level of organisation.

Table of Contents:

  1. ​Introduction to Phylum Chordata
  2. ​Fundamental Characteristics (NCERT Page 55)
  3. ​Chordates vs. Non-chordates (Comparison)
  4. ​Classification of Phylum Chordata
    • ​Urochordata & Cephalochordata (Protochordates)
    • ​Vertebrata (Craniata)
  5. ​Important NEET Questions & MCQs
  6. ​Video Lecture & Timestamps


General Comparison between Non chordates and Chordates 

  • In Non chordates, Notochord and pharyngeal gill slit are absent whereas these are present in Chordates.
  • In some  Non chordates, nerve cord is ventrally located but all chordates have nerve cord located dorsally.
  • In  Non chordates, central nervous system  is ventral solid and double whereas  In  chordates, Central nervous system is dorsal hollow and single.
  • Post anal tail is absent in Non chordates but present in Chordates.
  • Heart is dorsal in Non chordates whereas Heart is in  ventral side in Chordates.

 Comparison table between Chordates & Non chordates

FeatureChordates 🔵Non-Chordates 🔴
NotochordPresentAbsent
Central Nervous SystemDorsal, Hollow, SingleVentral, Solid, Double
Pharyngeal Gill SlitsPresentAbsent
Heart PositionVentral (Front)Dorsal (Back)
Post-anal TailPresentAbsent


Division of  Chordates 

  • Chordates are divided into Protochordata and Vertebrata
  • Protochordates include Urochordates and  cephalochordates

📌 Classification Hierarchy:

  • 🔹 Sub-phylum: Urochordata (e.g., Ascidia)
  • 🔹 Sub-phylum: Cephalochordata (e.g., Amphioxus)
  • 🔹 Sub-phylum: Vertebrata (e.g., Humans, Fishes)
  • Vertebrata is divided into Agnatha and Gnathostomata.
  • Term Agnatha refer to absence of jaws and it include the member of Cyclostomata.

​📌 Video Highlights & Quick Navigation (NEET Special):

  • ​00:00 - Phylum Chordata Introduction 🧬
  • ​01:30 - Fundamental Features (NCERT Based)
  • ​05:20 - Chordates vs Non-chordates: Main Differences 📊
  • ​07:05 - Evolutionary Connection: Chordates & Vertebrates
  • ​10:23 - NEET Must-Know: All Vertebrates are Chordates?
  • ​11:48 - Protochordata: Urochordata & Cephalochordata
  • ​13:30 - Summary & NEET Revision Tips 🔱
  • Gnathostomata is further divided into  Pisces 🐟 and Tetrapods.
  • Tetrapods include Amphibian, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.
  • Term Vertebrates is used for such chordates in which Notochord is replaced by the vertebral column that can be cartilaginous or Bony. 
  • But, all chordates do not have vertebral column that is notochord is not replaced into vertebral column.
  • Therefore, all vertebrates are chordates but all chordates are not vertebrates.
  • For example: In urochordates and cephalochordates, notochord is not replaced by vertebral column hence they are chordates but not vertebrates.
  • Beside chordates characters, vertebrates has kidney for excretion and osmoregulation. Three and four chambered of muscular heart and fin or limb 🦵 for locomotion.
Conclusion:

​Final Thoughts on Phylum Chordata:​

  •  In conclusion, Phylum Chordata is one of the most significant groups in the Animal Kingdom, representing the peak of evolutionary complexity. 
  • For NEET 2026 and board exams, focus specifically on the 'Fundamental Four' characteristics and the specific differences between Urochordata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata.
  • ​Remember, 'All vertebrates are chordates, but all chordates are not vertebrates'—this single concept is the key to many competitive questions. Keep revising the NCERT diagrams and practice the comparison tables regularly to stay ahead in your preparation."

💡 Interesting Fact for NEET & Global Learners:

"Did you know? Even though they live in the ocean, Whales are Chordates but not Fishes—they are Mammals! They possess mammary glands and breathe through lungs, which distinguishes them from the fish category."

​Student Interaction Section:

​💬 Let’s Test Your Knowledge!

​How many MCQs did you get right? Share your score in the Comments below! If you have any doubts regarding Chordata or any other Biology topic, feel free to ask. I will be happy to help you clear your concepts.

Stay tuned  : In our next post, we will dive deep into Chordates division :  Urochordata and phylum Cephalochordata  Don't miss it.

🎯 NEET MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

🔥 100% CHALLENGE

"Questions yahi se aayega... taiyari jeet ki!"



1. Consider the following fundamental features of Chordata and select the correct code
1. Dorsal nerve cord 
2. Notochord
3. Pharyngeal gill slit 
4. Dorsal heart
A. 1 2 and 3
B. 2 3 and 4
C. 1 3 and 4
D. 1 2 3 and 4
Answer: A  

2. Which of the following feature was first appeared in the Chordata.
A. Triploblastic condition
B. Closed circulatory system 
C. Post anal tail
D. Bilateral symmetry 
Answer: C 

3. Consider the following statement and select the correct code:
1. In Non chordates , central nervous system  is ventral solid and double 
2.  In  chordates, Central nervous system is dorsal hollow and single.
A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C 

4. Consider the following Diagram and Select the corresponding option with A and B 

           A                  B
A.  Gill slit           Notochord
B.  Notochord    Gill slit
C.  Nerve cord   Noto chord
D.  Notochord.   Nerve cord 
Answer: C

5. Which of the following group of Chordates are considered as Protochordates.
A. Urochordates and vertebrates 
B. Cephalochordates and Vertebrates 
C. Urochordates and Cephalochordates 
D. Urochordates, Cephalochordates and Vertebrates
Answer: C 

6. Which of the following group do not  have Jaws.
A. Gnathostomata
B. Agnatha
C. Protochordates 
D. Urochordates
Answer : B 

7.In chordates which of the following is not dorsally located.
A. Heart
B. Nerve cord 
C. Notochord 
D. Central nervous system 
Answer: A 

8 . In  which of following group , Notochord is replaced by the vertebral column.
A. Protochordates
B. Urochordates
C. Cephalochordates
D. Gnathostomata
Answer: D 

9.  Which of following statement is not correct.
A. In All chordates , notochord is replaced by vertebral column.
B. In all vertebrates, notochord is replaced by the vertebral column.
C. All chordates are not vertebrates.
D. All vertebrates are chordates.
Answer: A 


10.   Which of following statement is not correct.
A. Protochordates are divided into  Urochordates and  cephalochordates.
B. Vertebrata is divided into Agnatha and Gnathostomata
C.Gnathostomata is further divided into  Pisces  and Tetrapods.
D. Agnatha is divided into Amphibian, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.
Answer: D 






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