Ascidiacea
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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.
Like other tunicates, they also collect and concentrate vanadium in their blood, although the reason for this behaviour is not properly understood.
Examples of ascidians include Sea Tulips and the Solitary Ascidian.
References
- Colin Tudge (2000). The Variety of Life. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198604262.
External link
- Ascidiacea.com - Classification and images of many ascidians.