what is Protochordata ??
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Answer:
Protochordates are an informal category of animals (i.e.: not a proper taxonomic group), named mainly for convenience to describe invertebrate animals that are closely related to vertebrates. This group is composed of the Phylum Hemichordata and the Subphyla Urochordata and Cephalochordata.
The Phylum Hemichordata consists of marine worms that share some, but not all of the characteristics of chordates. These animals have pharyngeal gill slits and a dorsal nerve cord, which is usually solid. The three body parts are proboscis, collar and trunk. What was once thought to be a notochord is no longer considered homologous. Acorn worms are examples of hemichordates.
The Urochordates and Cephalochordates are protochordates, but belong to the Phylum Chordata. Therefore, these animals will be discussed in the chordate section.