Non-chordates:
1. Non-chordates are less evolved animals and are on the lower levels of evolution.
2. Non-chordates do not have notochord.
3. In non-chordates, there are no pharyngeal gill slits.
4. Nerve cord, if present is double and solid.
5. Nerve cord is located on the ventral side of the body.
6. Heart if present is on the dorsal side of the body.
Chordates:
1. Chordates are more evolved animals and are on the higher levels of evolution.
2. Chordates have notochord at least in some stage of development.
3. In chordates, there are pharyngeal gill slits.
4. Nerve cord is single and hollow.
5. Nerve cord is located on the dorsal side of the body.
6. Heart if present is on the ventral side of the body.