What is the Difference Between Vertebrates and Chordates?

The main difference between vertebrates and chordates lies in their characteristics and the presence of a backbone. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or vertebral column. They are made up of advanced chordates and possess a notochord only during embryonic stages. Vertebrates have a cartilaginous or bony skeleton and a vertebral column that surrounds the nerve cord. Examples of vertebrates include humans, fish, and birds.
• Chordates are animals that have a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, and paired pharyngeal gill slits. They are made up of both primitive and sophisticated chordates. In lower chordates, the notochord is persistent throughout the life of the animal. Chordates include both vertebrates and invertebrate chordates, such as tunicates (Urochordata) and lancelets (Cephalochordata).

In summary, all vertebrates are chordates, but not all chordates are vertebrates. Vertebrates possess a backbone, while chordates have a notochord and a dorsally located hollow nerve cord.

Comparative Table: Vertebrates vs Chordates

Here is a table comparing the differences between vertebrates and chordates:

[source: 1]