Describe the features of a tunicate that reveals its chordate identify.

Explanation

1. The body of these animals is covered by cellulose like covering tunicin, hence called tunicates.
2. These posses Notochord in tail region during larval stage, hence called Urochordata.
3. These are sedentary or palagic marine forms.
4. Notochord is present only in larval tail, degenerated in adults.
5. Open type of blood vascular system with blood pigment venodium.
6. Indirect development with tadpole larva.
7. Adults (mostly) show degenerate characters.
8. Nervous system is represented in the adult by a single dorsal ganglion.
9. They are bisexual or hermaphradites.
Ex : Ascidia, Salpa, Doliolum, Pyrosoma and Oikopleura.