Protochordates belong to phylum Chordata.

They are further subdivided into two subphylums:

(i) Urochordata: They are bag-like, sessile, soft-bodied, non-metameric animals. In these organisms, the notochord is present only in the tail of free-living tadpole-like larva. The dorsal tubular nerve chord also degenerates in the form of small ganglion in the adult. The only chordate character present in the adult form are the numerous gill slits. Urochordates are hermaphrodites.

Example: Herdmania.

(ii) Cephalochordata: They are fish-like, metamerically segmented, headless and coelomate animals. In these organisms, notochord and nerve cord extend throughout the length of the body. The notochord, nerve chord and pharyngeal gill slits are retained throughout life. Sexes are separate in Cephalochordates.

Example: Amphioxus.