Question

Significance of Larval form of protochordata in the phylogenetic studies of chordate

Answer 1

Answer:

Tunicate species are key to understanding chordate origins, as they have tadpole larvae with a chordate body plan. However, molecular phylogenies show only weak support for the Tunicata as the sister-group to the rest of the chordates, suggesting that they are highly divergent from the Cephalochordata and Vertebrata.

Answer 2

Their basic features include:

Presence of notochord.

Central nervous system is dorsal,hollow and single.

Pharynx perforated by Gill slits.

Heart is ventral.

A post anal tail is present.

Gut is ventral to nerve chord.

Absence of cranium or brain box.

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