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| Cephalochordata | |
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| Lancelet (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Subphylum: | Owen, 1846 |
| Class: | Leptocardii |
The lancelets, also known as Cephalochordata or Leptocardii, are a group of primitive chordates which were formerly called Amphioxus. It includes Pikaia.
Lancelets are the modern survivors of an ancient chordate lineage, with a fossil record dating back to the Cambrian period. The lancelets are usually said to be the sister group of the craniates. They are a small group of about 30 species in two genera.
Lancelets are usually found buried in sand in shallow parts of temperate or tropical seas. In Asia, they are harvested commercially as food for humans and domesticated animals. They are an important object of study in zoology as they give indications about the origin of vertebrates. view more...
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