Mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish all belong to which phylum?

Prepare for the Praxis Biology Test (5236) with our practice exam. Study flashcards and tackle multiple-choice questions, all complete with explanations and hints. Ace your upcoming exam!

Multiple Choice

Mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish all belong to which phylum?

Explanation:
All four groups are chordates, a group defined by certain structures that appear during development. In chordates you’ll find a notochord and a dorsal hollow nerve cord at some stage, along with pharyngeal slits and a post-anal tail. In vertebrates like mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish, the notochord is typically replaced by a backbone, giving them the backbone-bearing trait that helps place them in this phylum. The other listed phyla (Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata) lack these chordate features, so they are classified outside this phylum. So, mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish all belong to Chordata.

All four groups are chordates, a group defined by certain structures that appear during development. In chordates you’ll find a notochord and a dorsal hollow nerve cord at some stage, along with pharyngeal slits and a post-anal tail. In vertebrates like mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish, the notochord is typically replaced by a backbone, giving them the backbone-bearing trait that helps place them in this phylum. The other listed phyla (Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata) lack these chordate features, so they are classified outside this phylum. So, mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish all belong to Chordata.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy