Introduction
This final tutorial covering animal diversity examines the
deuterostomes. There are two major phyla in this group, the
Echinodermata and the Chordata. Phylum Chordata contains three subphyla:
Vertebrata, Cephalochordata, and Urochordata. We will explore the features
that characterize these phyla and how these structures have evolved for
multiple purposes.
By the end of this tutorial you should have a basic working understanding
of:
- embryonic characteristics of deuterostomes
- major
characteristics
of echinoderms
- major characteristics of chordates
- characteristics
of organisms within the invertebrate subphyla of the chordates
- characteristics
of organisms within the vertebrate subphylum of the chordates
- Describe the characteristics of the echinoderms and discuss why they
are
members of the bilateria
- Identify the characteristics of
chordates
- Compare
and contrast the cephalochordates and urochordates
- Explain
characteristics of vertebrates
- Describe the characteristics of
the
major groups of vertebrates, including adaptations to terrestrial
environments