Curated OER
Invertebrate Diversity
Comparative anatomy prevails in the lesson exploring diversity among invertebrates. Biologists examine physical characteristics of an earthworm from phylum annelida and a meal worm from phylum insecta. They also inspect a cricket and a...
Curated OER
Phylum Chordata
All major groups of vertebrates are summarized here with the characteristics of each explained. Other subphyla of chordates are listed: cephalochordata, urochordata, monotremata, marsupialia. The details are relevant but are not linked...
Curated OER
The Chordates
Students study the characteristics of organisms that are a part of the phylum Chordata. In this organisms lesson students identify mammals that are native to Saskatchewan.
Palomar Community College District
Palomar College: Kingdom to Subphylum
The highest category of taxonomic classification is the kingdom. This website from Palomar College presents the five kingdoms in an easy-to-read chart and discusses the Animalia and Plantae kingdoms in depth. After reading through the...
Tree of Life Project
The Tree of Life Web Project: Animals
Extensive site that contains much information about the various animal phyla. Each phyla gives photos, common examples, scientific names and references. Collection of 1630 websites about bio-diversity.
PBS
Pbs: The Shape of Life
Companion site for the 8-part PBS series, "The Shape of Life." Each section focuses on a different phylum, from porifera through chordata. This site is highly informative, with beautiful photography.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web
This resource contains thousands of descriptions about individual animal species. Many of these descriptions also includes pictures, movies, audio clips, and more.
Biology 4 kids
Biology4 Kids: Quiz: Vertebrates
Take this ten-question review quiz over the Phylum Chordata. Read more about each question after an incorrect answer is given.
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University: Chordate Characteristics
This site describes the characteristics of Chordates. There are also examples of two groups that show an affinity toward the phylum Chordata but do not actually exhibit the characteristics. This site also describes the history of the...
University of California
Ucmp: Introduction to Chordata
This site from UC Berkeley is an excellent site about the animal phylum chordata. Click on various sections to learn more, covering topics such as the fossil record, life history & ecology, systematics, and morphology. This site is a...
University of California
Ucmp: Introduction to the Cephalochordates & Lancelets
This site describes the lancelets and the characteristics of chordates they express.
University of California
Ucmp: Introduction to Urochordata
This site introduces Urochordates and mentions the characteristics of Chordates that Tunicates exhibit. There are links to additional information about Chordate Characteristics
University of California
Ucmp: Myxini Hagfishes
This site contains quite a bit of information about hagfishes. There are pictures as well.
PBS
Nh Pbs: Nature Works: Bighorn Sheep
Learn more about the bighorn sheep through this informative resource. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the bighorn sheep's habitat, reproduction, behavior and more.
Other
Jeff's Coral Reef Gallery: Tunicates
This excellent underwater photo of a tunicate includes a short but informative description of tunicates in general (also known as "sea squirts").
Tree of Life Project
Reptiles: Synapsida
This site contains general information about the extinct link between reptiles and mammals. The Synapsida organisms are the link.
PBS
Pbs the Shape of Life: Phylum Chordata
From a PBS television series, this site offers a summary of the features which characterize the phylum chordata and includes multiple color photos.
Regents of the University of Michigan
Animal Diversity Web: Phylum Chordata (Chordates)
This site contains a listing of additional characteristics that many Chordates have in common beyond the typical four: notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Life Science: 10.1 Chordates
Explore the behaviors, characteristics, and diversity of chordates.
Encyclopedia of Life
Encyclopedia of Life: Chordates
The Encyclopedia of Life presents this in-depth overview of Chordates (Chordata), including their habitats, size, conservation status, and much more. Images of this division and maps of its global distribution can also be found here.
California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences: Echinoderm Webpage
Resource provides a brief overview of echinoderms. Includes pictures and links for more information.
University of California
Ucmp: Lampreys
This site from the University of California contains detailed information about lampreys. There are several pictures, including special links.
University of California
Ucmp: Birds Decendents of Dinosaurs
This site from the University of California, Berkeley contains general information and links to information about the fossil record of birds, the life history of birds, the systematics of birds, and the morphology of birds.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Animals: Vertebrates: Lesson 3
This lesson will explain the characteristics of animals that are classified as vertebrates. It is 3 of 4 in the series titled "Animals: Vertebrates."