Ascidiacea Ascidiacea

Ascidiacea - Definition and Overview

Ascidiacea

Sea-tulip.jpg



Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Subphylum:Urochordata
Class:Ascideiacea
Orders
  • Aplousobranchia
  • Enterogona
  • Phlebobranchia
  • Pleurogona
  • Stolidobranchia

Ascidiacea (commonly known as the ascidians) is an order in the Urochordata subphylum of sac-like marine filter feeders. They are characterized by a tough outer "tunic" made of the polysaccharide tunicin whilst other tunicates are much less robust. Whilst adults are sessile (immobile), larvae resemble tadpoles and swim up and down in their marine environment.

Examples of ascidians include Sea Tulips and the Solitary Ascidian.

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