Diversity of Chordates" by Dr. Tripurari Mishra is a comprehensive and student-friendly textbook designed in alignment with the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) under the National Education Policy (NEP). Tailored for the B.Sc. 2nd semester Zoology curriculum of Gauhati University, this book caters to both major and minor course students.

The text provides in-depth coverage of the systematic classification, characteristics, and comparative anatomy of various chordate groups—ranging from protochordates to vertebrates. It also highlights evolutionary relationships, functional adaptations, and ecological roles of each group, supported with clear diagrams and updated terminology.

Whether you're preparing for exams or building a solid foundation in zoological studies, this book serves as a valuable resource for conceptual clarity and academic success.hapter 1 - Introduction to Chordates ................................. 1-15

• General characteristics and outline classification of Phylum Chordata up to classes
• Taxonomy

Chapter 2 - Protochordata ............................................ 16-44

• General characteristics and classification of Sub-Phylum Hemichordata, Urochordata and Cephalochordata up to classes
• Retrogressive metamorphosis in Ascidia (Urochordata)
• General organization of Branchiostoma
• Advanced features of vertebrates over Protochordates

Chapter 3 - Origin of Chordata ....................................... 45-59

• Dipleurula concept and the Echinoderm theory of origin of chordates

Chapter 4 - Agnatha .................................................. 60-68

• General characteristics and classification of Cyclostomata up to orders
• Metamorphosis in Petromyzon
• Zoological importance of ammocoete larva

Chapter 5 - Pisces .................................................. 69-117

• General characteristics and classification of Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes up to sub-classes
• Dipnoi: Distribution, morphology & affinities
• Swim bladder in fishes, Osmoregulation
• Accessory respiratory organs in fishes
• Migration of fishes
• Parental care in fishes

Chapter 6 - Amphibia ................................................ 118-138

• General characteristics and classification up to extant orders
• General characters, distribution
• Parental care in Amphibia
• Affinities of Sphenodon
• Metamorphosis in Bufo
• Neoteny and paedogenesis

Chapter 7 - Reptilia ................................................ 139-162

• General characteristics and classification up to extant orders
• Poison apparatus and biting mechanism of snakes
• Differences between poisonous & non-poisonous snakes
• Types of snake venom & their mode of actions

Chapter 8 - Aves .................................................... 163-207

• General characteristics and classification up to sub-classes
• Exoskeleton (in relation to feathers)
• Double respiration in birds
• Archaeopteryx general character and Phylogenetic importance
• Principles and aerodynamics of flight
• Migration of birds
• Flying and perching mechanisms in birds

Chapter 9 - Mammals ................................................. 208-255

• General characters and classification up to extant orders
• Exoskeletal derivatives of mammals
• Echolocation in Microchiroptera (Bats) and Cetacea

Chapter 10 - Zoogeography ........................................... 256-309

• Zoogeographical realms
• Plate tectonic and Continental drift theory
• Distribution of birds and mammals in different realms

Chapter 11 - Practical .............................................. 310-388

• Study of Museum specimens of Protochordata to Mammalia
• Key for identification of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes
• Mounting: Fish scales & pecten from fowl head
• Study of slides of histology of Amphioxus

References ............................................................. 389-392