A family of marine animals related to vertebrates, characterized by having a notochord or dorsal supporting structure.
From the taxonomic Latin formation using 'chorda' (cord) plus '-aceae' (suffix indicating a family). Created in the 19th century to classify animals with notochordal structures.
This family name reveals how scientists use Latin to organize life—'aceae' endings for families are like biological surnames that tell you 'these creatures are all cousins!'
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