Which structure is a defining feature of Phylum Chordata for the zebrafish?
Answer
Hollow nerve cord running down the back.
Membership in the Phylum Chordata requires the presence of several key anatomical features at some stage of the organism's life cycle, specifically a hollow nerve cord running dorsally, a notochord for skeletal support, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. The hollow nerve cord running down the back is one of the principal criteria that groups the zebrafish with all other vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Pharyngeal teeth are characteristic of the Order Cypriniformes, rayed fins belong to the Class Actinopterygii, and the connection of the swim bladder to the throat is a trait shared by the Family Cyprinidae.
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