What is the Difference Between Chordates and Non Chordates?

Chordates and non-chordates are two distinct groups of animals that are primarily differentiated by the presence or absence of a notochord, a flexible rod-like structure that provides support and is present at some stage of their life. Here are the key differences between chordates and non-chordates:

1. Notochord: Chordates possess a notochord at some stage of their life, while non-chordates lack a notochord.
2. Body Temperature: Chordates can be either cold-blooded or warm-blooded, while all non-chordates are cold-blooded.
3. Symmetry: Chordates are bilaterally or radially symmetrical, while non-chordates can be bilateral, radial, bi-radial, or asymmetrical.
4. Body Organization: Chordates have an organ system level of organization, while non-chordates have an organismal or tissue level of organization.
5. Coelom: Chordates are true coelomates, while non-chordates can be true coelomates, acoelomates, or pseudocoelomates.
6. Respiration: Chordates respire through lungs or gills, while non-chordates respire through tracheae, gills, or their body surface.
7. Circulatory System: Chordates usually have a closed circulatory system, while non-chordates have an open circulatory system.
8. Reproduction: Both sexual and asexual reproductive modes exist in non-chordates, while chordates rely on sexual reproduction.
9. Senses: Chordates generally have better developed senses compared to non-chordates.

Some examples of chordates include vertebrates such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, while non-chordates include invertebrate groups such as arthropods (insects, crustaceans), mollusks (snails, squids), and annelids (earthworms, leeches).

Comparative Table: Chordates vs Non Chordates

Here is a table comparing the differences between chordates and non-chordates:

Chordates possess a notochord at some stage of their life, while non-chordates lack a notochord. Chordates can be either cold-blooded or warm-blooded, while non-chordates are cold-blooded. Chordates typically have a bilateral or radial symmetry, while non-chordates can have a radial, bilateral, or asymmetrical symmetry.