Within the phylum chordata, the sub-phylum vertebrata includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. All vertebrates share in common four characteristics during the embryonic stage of their life cycle: • a hollow, dorsal (rear) nerve cord
• a notochord (backbone)
• gill slits (which develop into other structures in terrestrial vertebrates)
• a post-anal tail
Which part of the human anatomy shows that it belongs to the same sub-phylum as a lizard?
Explanation
The hollow, dorsal (rear) nerve cord, which is common to all vertebrates, refers to the spinal cord.