difference between chordates and non chordates
| Chordata | Non Chordata |
| 1. Notochord is present at least in some stage of life cycle | 1. Notochord is absent |
| 2. Pharyngeal gill slits are present | 2. Pharyngeal gill slits absent |
| 3. Nerve cord is non-ganglionated, single, dorsal and hollow | 3. Nerve cord is ganglionated, double ventral and solid |
| 4. A post anal tail is present in some stages or throughout life | 4. Post anal tail is absent |
| 5. Ventral heart is present | 5. Dorsal heart is present |
| 6. Haemoglobin is present in RBC | 6. Haemoglobin when present is in the blood plasma |
| 7. Endoskeleton and exoskeleton are present | 7. Generally exoskeleton alone is present |
| 8. Hepatic portal system is present | 8. Hepatic portal system absent |
| 9. Blood flow is forward in ventral vessel and backward in dorsal vessel | 9. Blood flow is backward in ventral vessel and forward in dorsal vessel |
| 10. Eyes are derived from brain | 10. Eyes are derived from the skin |