The subphylum Urochordata, is also sometimes known as the Tunicata. These animals are commonly known as tunicates or sea squirts. Some pelagic tunicates are known as salps. There are two classes recognized within the subphylum: Thaliacea and Ascidiacea.
The body of an adult tunicate is quite simple. Essentially it is a sack with two siphons through which water enters and exits. Many tunicates have a larva that is free-swimming and exhibits all chordate characteristics, including a notochord. In many tunicates this "tadpole larva" eventually attaches to a hard surface and loses its tail, the ability to move, and most of its nervous system. The tunicate group knows as salps are entirely free-swimming, however.
South African organization conducting research on the ascidians or tunicates, commonly known as sea squirts, mostly for the Coral Reef Research Foundation. Website contains many photographs of tunicates. www.justblue.co.za
Home page for Ascidian News, a twice yearly newsletter published by Charles and Gretchen Lambert, with recent worldwide publication citations, meetings abstracts and work in progress. The Ascidiaceae are a family in the Phylum Urochordata and are commonly nsm.fullerton.edu/~lamberts/ascidian
Forsiden | 