Subphylum Urochordata

Question 1

Characteristics Of Urochordata

In terms of species
In terms of movement
In terms of resemblance
In terms of notochord

Answer 1

There are about 2,500 species of tunicates, sometimes called Sea Squirts(Ascidiacea).
Most are sessile, floating in surface water or attach to substrate(rocks, docks, boats) in shallow marine habitats.
Adult Tunicates scarcely resembles a Chordate
It displays no trace of notochord, nor is there a nerve or tail.

Question 2

Urochordates are commonly called..

What suggests a link between Urochordates and Other Chordates

Answer 2

Tunicates

It is only the pharyngeal slits that suggests a link to other chordates

Question 3

Characteristics Of Urochordates

In terms of reason for being called Sea Squirts
In terms of pharyngeal slits
In terms of larva movement

Answer 3

They are also called Sea Squirts because they shoot a jet of water through ex-current siphon when molested
Pharyngeal slits function in suspension feeding
The larva swims until it is attached by its head to a surface and undergoes metamorphosis during which most of its characteristics of its chordate disappears