Topic summary
Vertebrates
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Vertebrate.
Unique features
Vertebrates belong to Chordata, a phylum characterised by five synapomorphies (unique characteristics): namely a notochord, a hollow nerve cord along the back, a post-anal tail, an endostyle (present in vertebrates as the thyroid gland), and pharyngeal gills arranged in pairs. Vertebrates share these characteristics with other chordates.