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Hemichordata and Chordata Video Lecture | Zoology Optional Notes for UPSC

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1. What are the main differences between Hemichordata and Chordata?
Ans. Hemichordata and Chordata are both phyla within the animal kingdom, but they exhibit several key differences. Hemichordates possess a body divided into three regions: the proboscis, collar, and trunk, and they lack a notochord. In contrast, Chordata are characterized by the presence of a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some stage of development. Additionally, Chordata are more evolutionarily advanced, encompassing vertebrates, while Hemichordata includes simpler organisms like acorn worms.
2. What are the ecological roles of Hemichordata?
Ans. Hemichordates play significant ecological roles, particularly in marine environments. Acorn worms, a type of Hemichordate, contribute to sediment mixing and nutrient cycling in the ocean floor. They burrow into the substrate, which helps aerate the soil and facilitates the decomposition of organic matter. This process supports a diverse range of marine life and maintains the health of benthic ecosystems.
3. How do Hemichordata reproduce?
Ans. Hemichordata primarily reproduce through external fertilization, where males and females release their gametes into the water column. Fertilization occurs in the water, leading to the development of free-swimming larvae. Some species also exhibit a form of asexual reproduction through fragmentation, where a part of the organism can regenerate into a new individual.
4. What are the characteristics that define the phylum Chordata?
Ans. The phylum Chordata is defined by four main characteristics present at some stage of development: a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. These features are crucial for the classification of organisms within this phylum, which includes subphyla such as Vertebrata (vertebrates), Cephalochordata (lancelets), and Urochordata (tunicates).
5. Why is the study of Hemichordata important in evolutionary biology?
Ans. The study of Hemichordata is significant in evolutionary biology as it provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between different phyla, particularly Chordata. Hemichordates share some characteristics with early chordates, which helps scientists understand the origins of vertebrates. Their unique features and evolutionary position contribute to discussions about the transition from invertebrate to vertebrate life forms.
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