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