morphological difference between the classes of the phylum chordata?
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Nov 14, 2023
The phylum Chordata is divided into three main classes: Agnatha (jawless fish), Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish), and Osteichthyes (bony fish). Here are some morphological differences between these classes:
1. Agnatha (jawless fish): - Lack jaws and paired fins. - Have a cartilaginous skeleton. - Possess a circular mouth with rows of teeth. - Have a single nostril on each side of the head. - Lack scales and have smooth, slimy skin.
2. Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish): - Have jaws and paired fins. - Possess a skeleton made of cartilage instead of bone. - Have multiple gill slits on each side of the head. - Have placoid scales (tiny tooth-like scales) on their skin. - Most species have separate anal and urogenital openings.
3. Osteichthyes (bony fish): - Have jaws and paired fins. - Possess a skeleton made of bone. - Have gill covers (operculum) that protect the gills. - Have cycloid or ctenoid scales (thin, overlapping scales) on their skin. - Have a swim bladder for buoyancy control. - Most species have a single opening called the cloaca for excretion and reproduction.
These are just a few examples of the morphological differences between the classes of the phylum Chordata. It's important to note that there is a wide diversity of species within each class, and there may be additional variations in morphology within each class.