The video "What Are Chordates?" introduces viewers to the fascinating world of chordates, a group of animals belonging to the phylum Chordata. Key educational concepts include the presence of a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits (which function as gills), and a muscular tail during some stage of development. These characteristics define all chordates, which include subphyla such as Urochordata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata. The video explores how the notochord transforms into a spinal cord in humans and provides insight into creatures like fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, emphasizing similarities like a closed circulatory system. Interactive questions and fun facts make the content enjoyable and memorable, highlighting the video's relevance for understanding animal biology and evolution.