HEMICHORDATA Meaning and
Definition
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Hemichordata, also known as acorn worms, is a phylum of marine invertebrates that are classified under the kingdom Animalia. The name Hemichordata is derived from the Greek words "hemi" meaning half and "chorda" meaning cord, referring to their partial similarity to chordates. With about 100 known species, hemichordates are considered to be primitive invertebrates that exhibit some characteristics shared by both chordates (such as humans) and echinoderms (such as starfish).
Hemichordates are mainly found in marine environments, living in both shallow and deep-sea habitats. They can be divided into three main groups: enteropneusts (acorn worms), pterobranchs, and graptolites (extinct). Enteropneusts are the most diverse and well-known group among the hemichordates.
Typically, hemichordates have a body divided into three sections: anterior proboscis, muscular collar, and elongated trunk. The proboscis is a muscular, finger-like extension used for feeding and burrowing into the substrate. The collar region contains a structure called the stomochord, which is similar to the notochord found in chordates. The trunk, the longest part of their body, houses the digestive and reproductive systems. Most hemichordates have a ventrally located nerve cord running along their body.
Hemichordates exhibit both filter-feeding and scavenging mechanisms for acquiring nutrients. They possess a unique feeding structure called the pharyngeal gill slits, which assist in capturing and filtering microscopic particles.
In summary, hemichordates are primitive marine invertebrates with a partially chordate-like
Common Misspellings for HEMICHORDATA
- gemichordata
- bemichordata
- nemichordata
- jemichordata
- uemichordata
- yemichordata
- hwmichordata
- hsmichordata
- hdmichordata
- hrmichordata
- h4michordata
- h3michordata
- henichordata
- hekichordata
- hejichordata
- hemuchordata
- hemjchordata
- hemkchordata
- hemochordata
- hem9chordata
- Hemichordra
Etymology of HEMICHORDATA
The word "hemichordata" is derived from the Greek roots "hemi" meaning half and "chorda" meaning cord. "Hemichordata" refers to a phylum of marine animals that are considered to be "half-cordates" because they share some characteristics with chordates, such as a hollow nerve cord, but lack certain other defining features.
