Write the detailed account on morphology and anatomy of amphioxus
Answers
Depending on the exact species involved, the maximum length of lancelets is typically 2.5 to 8 cm (1.0–3.1)
Branchiostoma belcheri and B. lanceolatum are among the largest. Except for the size,
the species are very similar in general appearance, differing mainly in the number of myotomes and the pigmentation of their larvae. They have a translucent, somewhat fish-like body, but without any paired fins or other limbs. A relatively poorly developed tail fin is present, so they are not especially good swimmers. While they do possess some cartilage-like material stiffening the gill slits, mouth, and tail, they have no true skeleton.
Morphology and Anatomy of Amphioxus:
Amphioxus belongs to phylum Chordata, Sub-phylum Cephalochordate and group Protochordata. These are semi-transparent or almost translucent in nature. Their body is streamline like a fish, compressed laterally and has tapered ends.
The body is made up of two parts, the trunk and the later part the tail with the absence of head. Paired fins are absent and unpaired fins run along the whole body. The body has three openings namely the mouth, the atriopore and the anus.