What are the affinities of Cephalochordata?
Table of Contents
Chordate Affinities: Cephalochordata (Branchiostoma) exhibits the three basic chordate features such as notochord, dorsal tubular nerve cord and pharyngeal gill-slits in the most typical manner and there is no doubt about its chordate nature.
What makes amphioxus special?
Unlike other chordates, amphioxi are capable of a digestive process called phagocytosis, in which food particles are enveloped by individual cells. Above the pharynx is the excretory system made up of the nephridia, which opens into an excretory canal leading to the atrium.
Why are Cephalochordates called amphioxus?

Small, fishlike marine invertebrates, they probably are the closest living relatives of the vertebrates. Cephalochordates and vertebrates have a hollow, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a notochord. Branchiostoma was formerly called Amphioxus, a name that is retained as an informal term.
What are the affinities of Hemichordata?
The name Hemichordata suggests that they are half chordates. The close affinities of Hemichordata with Echinodermata, Annelida, Pogonophora, Phoronida have led to the conclusion that they have arisen from a common ancestral stock.
What is the phylum of Branchiostoma?
Chordata
Data Quality Indicators:

Phylum | Chordata – cordés, cordado, chordates |
Subphylum | Cephalochordata – cephalochordates, amphioxus, lancelets, cefalocordado, anfioxo |
Order | Amphioxiformes |
Family | Branchiostomatidae |
Genus | Branchiostoma Costa, 1834 |
Which animal is known as Lance pet?
The lancelets (/ˈlænslɪts/ or /ˈlɑːnslɪts/), also known as amphioxi (singular: amphioxus /æmfiˈɒksəs/), consist of some 30 to 35 species of “fish-like” benthic filter feeding chordates in the order Amphioxiformes.
What makes Lancelates more close to vertebrates?
Lancelets (Cephalochordata) are marine organisms that possess all features of chordates; they are named Cephalochordata because the notochord extends into the head. Lancelets may be the closest-living relatives to vertebrates.
What are the affinities of Balanoglossus?
Affinities # Balanoglossus with Annelida:
- Vermiform body. ADVERTISEMENTS:
- Presence of coelom.
- Arrangement of blood vessels.
- Collar comparable to clitellum of Oligochaeta.
- Resemblances between Tornaria and Trochophora larva.