What defining structural feature must an organism possess to belong to the Phylum Chordata?
Answer
Possessing a notochord at some stage of development.
The Phylum *Chordata* defines a broad group of animals characterized by specific embryonic or developmental structures. The defining feature is the presence of a notochord, which is a flexible rod providing skeletal support. Additionally, members of this phylum must possess a dorsal hollow nerve cord, a post-anal tail, and pharyngeal slits at some point during their life cycle. The presence of the notochord is the key criterion that groups the Welsh Springer Spaniel with animals ranging from fish to birds and mammals.
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