Chordata

a phylum of animals defined by the presence of a notochord at some stage of development Chordates (Chordata) is a phylum containing organisms that share fundamental body plan characteristics. It contains 14 classs with 16,046 known species. Key class groups include Ray-finned Fish, Amphibians, Ascidiacea, Birds, Cartilaginous Fish, and Coelacanthi. Among its members, 3,128 species are currently classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable). It belongs to Animals (Animalia).