[ report an error in this record ] basket (0): add | show Tunicata and Cephalochordata Ballarin, L.; Burighel, P. (2009). Tunicata and Cephalochordata, in: Minelli, A. et al. Biological science fundamentals and systematics, Volume IV . pp. 43-67 In: Minelli, A.; Contrafatto, G. (Ed.) (2009). Biological science fundamentals and systematics, Volume IV . EOLSS Publications: [s.l.]. ISBN 978-1-84826-639-1. XXIV, 327 pp., more Available in  Authors  VLIZ: Non-open access 401438 [ request ] Keywords Ascidiacea [WoRMS]; Cephalochordata [WoRMS]; Larvacea [WoRMS]; Thaliacea [WoRMS]; Tunicata [WoRMS] Marine/Coastal Author keywords Protochordata, ascidians, sea-squirts, pyrosomes, salps, doliolids, appendicularians, amphioxus, tunic, endostyle, coloniality, filter-feeding Authors    Top  Ballarin, L. Burighel, P. Abstract Tunicata and Cephalochordata, collectively named Protochordata, are filter-feeding marine animals that, as invertebrate members of the phylum Chordata, share with vertebrates the basic chordate characteristics. Tunicata are found at all latitudes and can assume a planktonic or benthic lifestyle. Coloniality is widespread and a larval stage followed by metamorphosis is the rule in the class Ascidiacea. Blooms of pelagic tunicates are quite common in warm seasons: their ecological relevance relies on the key role played by these animals in the alimentary chain of open seas. Cephalochordata are small, fish-like animals living m sandy bottoms, of interest for evolutionary studies. All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy  Top | Authors