UROCHORDA Meaning and
Definition
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Urochorda, also known as tunicates or sea squirts, refers to a diverse phylum of marine invertebrates that belong to the Chordata subphylum Urochordata. Urochordates are known for their unique body structure and distinct characteristics. These small and sessile organisms typically inhabit marine environments, such as oceans, seas, and estuaries.
Urochorda are filter-feeders that possess a sac-like body covered by an outer thick and leathery tunic, which gives them their common name of "tunicate." The body of a urochordate is composed of two siphons, an oral siphon used for intake of water and food particles, and an atrial siphon through which water is expelled. Water is drawn into the organism through the oral siphon and then filtered to extract microscopic food particles and oxygen. The filtered water is ejected through the atrial siphon.
Most urochorda are sessile, meaning they remain attached to a substrate for the majority of their lives. However, some species possess a limited mobility during their developmental stage. Urochorda exhibit a wide range of sizes, from a few millimeters to larger species that can reach lengths of several meters.
Many species of urochorda are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, while others have separate sexes. They usually reproduce through external fertilization, with the release of eggs and sperm into the water column. The fertilized eggs develop into larvae that undergo a swimming stage, known as the tadpole larvae, before settling down and metamorphosing into the adult urochordate.
Urochorda play a vital role in marine ecosystems, as
Common Misspellings for UROCHORDA
- yrochorda
- hrochorda
- jrochorda
- irochorda
- 8rochorda
- 7rochorda
- ueochorda
- udochorda
- ufochorda
- utochorda
- u5ochorda
- u4ochorda
- urichorda
- urkchorda
- urlchorda
- urpchorda
- ur0chorda
- ur9chorda
- uroxhorda
Etymology of UROCHORDA
The word "urochorda" is derived from the Greek words "oura" meaning "tail" and "chorda" meaning "string" or "cord".
"Uro-" refers to the tail-like structure found in tunicates, also known as sea squirts, which belong to the subphylum Urochordata. The tail or urochord is a muscular structure that helps the organism with locomotion and feeding.
"Horda" or "chorda" alludes to the presence of a notochord, which is a flexible rod-like structure in the urochordates that provides support and lends stability to their bodies. The notochord is a defining characteristic of this subphylum and is present during the larval stage, but it generally degenerates or becomes vestigial in the adult stage.
Similar spelling words for UROCHORDA
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