What key structure signifies the Waterbuck's placement in Phylum Chordata?
Answer
Presence of a notochord at some developmental stage
The Phylum Chordata is defined by the presence of a notochord at some point during the organism's development. In the case of adult vertebrates like the Waterbuck, this flexible rod-like structure is eventually replaced by the fully formed backbone or spinal column. In addition to the notochord replacement, chordates are characterized during embryonic development by possessing a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail, all of which establish the Waterbuck firmly within this major lineage leading to all fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Related Questions
What primary physical characteristic defines the Order Artiodactyla for the Waterbuck?What physical feature inspired the specific epithet *ellipsiprymnus* for *Kobus ellipsiprymnus*?What defines the horns found on members of the Family Bovidae like the Waterbuck?What key structure signifies the Waterbuck's placement in Phylum Chordata?How does the white rump patch visually distinguish the Defassa Waterbuck from the Common Waterbuck?What ecological niche is strongly suggested by the grouping within the Genus *Kobus*?Which defining characteristic of Class Mammalia is explicitly tied to the Waterbuck's survival in African temperature swings?Regarding sexual dimorphism in *Kobus ellipsiprymnus*, which sex possesses horns?According to global standards, how should the binomial name *Kobus ellipsiprymnus* be written?What ecological function does the Genus *Kobus* classification primarily summarize about the Waterbuck?