Tunicata
Sign in to saveTunicates are marine invertebrates belonging to the subphylum Tunicata ( ). This grouping is part of the Chordata, a phylum which includes all animals with dorsal nerve cords and notochords (including vertebrates). The subphylum was at one time called Urochordata, and the term urochordates is still sometimes used for these animals.
AI overview
Tunicates are marine invertebrates that belong to a group called Chordata, the same major animal group that includes fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. They matter scientifically because they share fundamental features with vertebrates—like a dorsal nerve cord and notochord—making them important for understanding how more complex animals evolved.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
21 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Taxonomy
- Classification
- Fossil record
- Hybridization studies
- Anatomy
- Body form
- Body structure
- Physiology and internal anatomy
- Feeding
- Life cycle
- Promotion of out-crossing
- A model tunicate
- Invasive species
- Use by humans
- Medical uses
- As food
- Other uses
- See also
- References
- External links
Tunicates are marine invertebrates belonging to the subphylum Tunicata ( ). This grouping is part of the Chordata, a phylum which includes all animals with dorsal nerve cords and notochords (including vertebrates). The subphylum was at one time called Urochordata, and the term urochordates is still sometimes used for these animals.
Despite their simple appearance and very different adult form, their close relationship to the vertebrates is certain. Both groups are chordates, as evidenced by the fact that during their mobile larval stage, tunicates possess a notochord, a hollow dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, post-anal tail, and an endostyle. They resemble a tadpole.