<P> Notochords are thought to be advantageous ( both in an evolutionary and developmental context ) because they provide ( d ) rigid structure for muscle attachment , but were still flexible . In some chordates , it persists throughout life as the main structural support of the body , while in most vertebrates it becomes the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc . The notochord plays a key role in signaling and coordinating development . Embryos of vertebrates still form transient notochord structures today during the gastrulation phase of development . The notochord is found ventral to the neural tube . </P>
what is the fate of notochord in vertebrates
becomes the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc