Lancelet is a chordate but not a vertebrate because it lacks a backbone
Explanation:
The subphyla of the phylum Chordata are - Vertebrata, Urochordata and cephalochordate
Those chordates with a structural backbone belong to Vertebrata.
Urochordates and cephalochordates lack a backbone and hence are termed invertebrate chordates.
Lancelet is an invertebrate chordate of the subphylum – Cephalochordata.
The lancelets consist of a notochord that extends right from the head till the tail at the dorsal surface. The notochord acts like the backbone and provides support and a semi-flexible structure to aid in the movement of the organism.
They lack a developed nervous system like vertebrates but only has a dorsal nerve tube .
