Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...
Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...
Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...
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Sea squirt<br />
Chordata – Ascidiacea<br />
Attached to the reef,<br />
sea squirts (or ascidians) are<br />
often mistaken for sponges. These<br />
simple animals are practically a ‘sac’<br />
with two openings that siphon water in<br />
and out of the body to collect food and<br />
nutrients. Sea squirts have a thick outer<br />
coat made from a cellulose-like material.<br />
This is known as the tunic, which helps<br />
protect the animal from<br />
predators.<br />
Photo: David Fairclough<br />
Did you know?<br />
Believe it or not, sea squirts<br />
are related to humans! In their<br />
larval stage, sea squirts have<br />
a basic backbone of rod cells<br />
(notochords), just like vertebrates,<br />
such as humans, fi sh and mammals.<br />
These cells are lost as the sea<br />
squirt develops into an adult.
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