Chordates are animals with backbones. Animal groups in the chordate phylum include fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Animals with backbones are the most highly evolved groups of animals, the most complex and complicated.
While mammals represent the smallest group in terms of the number of species, they are a very unique group which includes marsupials and monotremes. Chordates have four defining features. These features can be found during embryonic development.in some chordates. One common feature chordates have is the notochord. The notochord provides skeletal support, and develops into the vertebral column in vertebrates. Another common feature includes; pharyngeal gill slits and tail, and dorsal hollow nerve chord. Pharyngeal …show more content…
It may adapt to its habitat in a physical or structural way, just as the limbs of birds have modified into wings for it to fly or the way the cheetah is shaped for running at a fast speed to catch its prey or escape danger. It may be in the way the body of animals works for breathing, for instance gills allow fish to breathe in water. Or it could be the way the animal acts when it is hunting for food, or running fast to avoid predators or migrating to other places for food or survival. An animal's environment consists of many different things, such as; the climate, the kinds of food plants that grow in it, other animals that may be predators or competitors. Animals must learn to adapt to each of these factors in order to survive in their certain habitats. With increasing population growth and human activity, animals must learn to adapt to the growing threat as well, which is us. In the wild, animals are only capable to live in places they are adapted to. They must have the right kind of habitat where they can find the food and space they need in order to feel comfortable. Mammals are a very diverse group of animals that has managed to adapt and change over the years to survive the many changes they have