The term “chordate” refers to any animal that belongs to the phylum Chordata and is classified as such. As described by the International Union of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chordates are “animals that possess four anatomical traits, namely a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, a post-anal tail, and pharyngeal slits, at least throughout some stage of their development into maturity.” Chord comes from the Latin chorda, which literally translates as “cord” or “string.” Chordate is a slang term for the word chordate.
Chordate Characteristics
This phylum’s members have four distinguishing characteristics: a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.