Fish — Several classes

Fish are treated here as a practical grouping of aquatic vertebrates across several classes rather than a single formal taxonomic unit. These include the ray-finned fishes, lobe-finned fishes and the cartilaginous fishes (sharks, rays and chimaeras), as well as the more primitive jawless fishes such as lampreys and hagfishes. Despite their diversity, these animals share … Continue reading "Fish — Several classes"

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Phylum Chordata – Vertebrates & Relatives

Chordates are animals that at some stage in their life cycle possess a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, gill slits, and a post‑anal tail. This phylum includes all vertebrates as well as two smaller groups: tunicates and lancelets. Chordates range from simple filter‑feeding marine animals to the most complex land vertebrates, including humans. Subdivision of … Continue reading "Phylum Chordata – Vertebrates & Relatives"

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