Examples of Cephalochordata

Cephalochordates are a subphylum of invertebrate chordate animals. They are commonly called lancelets, as they have a long, slender body that resembles a lance. Lancelets are found in the shallow waters of the oceans and are often used as a model organism in research studies due to their simple anatomy and evolutionary significance.

Species of Cephalochordata

1. Branchiostoma lanceolatum: It is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea. It has a slender body that is transparent, which makes it easy to study its internal anatomy.

2. Asymmetron inferum: It is a species of lancelet that is found in deep-sea environments. It is unique among the cephalochordates in that it has asymmetrical eyes, which are thought to help it navigate in the dark depths of the ocean.

3. Epigonichthys lucayanus: This species of lancelet is found in the Caribbean Sea. It has a flattened body that is adapted for burrowing in the sand.

4. Branchiostoma belcheri: It is found in the coastal waters of China and Japan. It is commonly used in research studies due to its large size and ease of culturing in the laboratory.

5. Branchiostoma floridae: It is found in the coastal waters of Florida and the Caribbean Sea. It is commonly used as a model organism in developmental biology studies due to its rapid embryonic development and well-characterized genome.

Conclusion

Cephalochordates are simple invertebrate chordates that are commonly called lancelets. They are found in the shallow waters of the oceans and are often used as a model organism in research studies due to their simple anatomy and evolutionary significance. Examples of cephalochordates include Branchiostoma lanceolatum, Asymmetron inferum, Epigonichthys lucayanus, Branchiostoma belcheri, and Branchiostoma floridae.