What key feature characterizes the Phylum Chordata that the Xingu River Ray belongs to?
Answer
Having, at some developmental stage, a notochord and dorsal nerve cord
The Phylum Chordata is a broad grouping in the biological hierarchy defined by specific embryonic or developmental characteristics common to all members, regardless of whether they are fish, amphibians, or mammals. For the Xingu River Ray, its placement in this phylum signifies that at some point during its life cycle—usually embryonic development—it exhibits the presence of a notochord, which provides skeletal support, a dorsal nerve cord that runs along the back, and structures that develop into gill slits. These are the fundamental characteristics that place it within Chordata.
Related Questions
What distinguishes the Family Potamotrygonidae of the Xingu River Ray?What do the Greek roots *potamos* and *trygon* summarize in the Genus name *Potamotrygon*?Which Class groups the Xingu River Ray with sharks based on skeletal composition?What profound ecological implication arises from *Potamotrygon leopoldi*'s endemism to the Xingu River?What historically used name served as an abbreviation for *Potamotrygon leopoldi* before formal species description?What morphological characteristic defines the Order Myliobatiformes to which *P. leopoldi* belongs?What specific visual trait defines the dorsal surface of *Potamotrygon leopoldi*?What key feature characterizes the Phylum Chordata that the Xingu River Ray belongs to?What disc width can mature specimens of *Potamotrygon leopoldi* typically attain?How does the species designation *P. leopoldi* typically differ morphologically from other Amazonian *Potamotrygon* species?