Membership in the Phylum Chordata signifies that S. vitreus possesses which developmental structures?
Answer
A notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail
The placement of the walleye within the Phylum Chordata is fundamental, as this classification signifies that, at some developmental stage, the organism exhibits four key structures: a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. These characteristics are the hallmarks defining the phylum, placing the walleye firmly within the subphylum Vertebrata. These features relate to the basic body plan and evolutionary lineage shared by vertebrates, predating the specialization into bony fish classes like Actinopterygii.
Related Questions
What does the specific epithet vitreus in Sander vitreus reference?Which family classification places S. vitreus directly with the sauger (S. canadensis)?What defining skeletal characteristic separates the Class Actinopterygii from lobe-finned fishes?What is the global conservation status assessment (G5) assigned to Sander vitreus by NatureServe?Which species hybridizes with S. vitreus to produce the fertile cross known as "saugeye"?What physical feature is a primary characteristic of the genus Sander besides the elongated body?Before the acceptance of the genus Sander, what scientific name was often used for the walleye?What temperature range defines the preferred habitat classification for walleye as coolwater fish?Membership in the Phylum Chordata signifies that S. vitreus possesses which developmental structures?How are the two separate dorsal fins of Sander vitreus characterized morphologically?