CEPHALOCHORDATA Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalochordata is a subphylum of chordates that includes a small group of marine invertebrates known as lancelets or amphioxus. These organisms are characterized by their elongated body shape and simple structure, typically reaching a length of around 5 centimeters.
The name Cephalochordata derives from the Greek words "cephalo" meaning head and "chorda" meaning cord or string, which refers to the string-like structure that runs along the dorsal side of their body, known as the notochord. The notochord serves as a supportive structure, giving the body stiffness and support from the head to the tail.
Lancelets are primarily filter feeders, residing in shallow coastal waters and burrowing into sandy or muddy substrates. They possess a unique feeding mechanism called filter-feeding ciliary basket, which involves the use of specialized pharyngeal slits to filter particles from the water and gather food.
Cephalochordata also lacks a true heart and circulatory system, instead relying on a simple tubular structure called a ventral vessel to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout their body.
These organisms exhibit some characteristics that resemble the early development of vertebrates, making them important in evolutionary studies. They lack certain complex features found in typical vertebrates, such as a developed brain, jaws, and specialized sensory organs.
Overall, Cephalochordata represents a small, primitive group of marine chordates that provides valuable insights into the evolutionary origins of vertebrates.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALOCHORDATA
- xephalochordata
- vephalochordata
- fephalochordata
- dephalochordata
- cwphalochordata
- csphalochordata
- cdphalochordata
- crphalochordata
- c4phalochordata
- c3phalochordata
- ceohalochordata
- celhalochordata
- ce-halochordata
- ce0halochordata
- cepgalochordata
- cepbalochordata
- cepnalochordata
- cepjalochordata
- cepualochordata
- cephalochodaata
Etymology of CEPHALOCHORDATA
The word "Cephalochordata" is derived from Greek roots. "Cephalo" originates from the Greek word "kephalé", meaning "head", and "chordata" comes from the Greek word "khordē", which refers to a cord or string. So, "Cephalochordata" literally translates to "head string" in Greek. This term is used in biology to classify a subphylum of chordates, commonly known as lancelets or amphioxus.
Similar spelling words for CEPHALOCHORDATA
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