Dictionary > European lancelet

European lancelet

Definition
noun, plural: European lancelets
A lancelet species of the genus Branchiostoma and is commonly used as a model organism in various studies, e.g. in evolution
Supplement
The European lancelets are species of the genus Branchiostoma. This genus is one of the few extant genera of the order Amphioxiformes. Species of this genus are characterized by their small eel- or snake-like form. The name means gill-mouth. That is because they do not have a distinct head similar to the other chordates; they lack eyes, nose, and skull. Rather, they have a mouth that is adjacent to the gill slits. The number of gill slits ranges from 6 to 19, depending on the extent of larval stages. They have a notochord that extends from the anterior to the posterior end. The anterior end of the dorsal nerve cord is slightly enlarged. The mouth is located ventrally and has a tuft of 20 to 30 cirri surrounding it. The species may grow up to 6 cm in length.
Similar to other lancelet species, the European lancelets are filter feeders. They are a marine invertebrate that inhabit the soft substrates in shallow seas. They are often found hiding in the sediment. They are used as a model organism particularly in studying evolution and development of vertebrates.
Scientific classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Subphylum: Cephalochordata
  • Class: Leptocardii
  • Order: Amphioxiformes
  • Family: Branchiostomidae
  • Genus: Branchiostoma
  • Species: B. lanceolatum (Pallas, 1774)

Other name(s):

  • Limax lanceolatus (Pallas, 1774)
  • Branchiostoma lubricum (Costa, 1834)
  • Amphioxus lanceolatus (Yarrel, 1836)
  • Branchiostoma haecklii (Franz, 1922)

See also:


You will also like...

Chemical composition of the body
Chemical Composition of the Body

The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

Regulation of Biological Systems
Regulation of Biological Systems

Regulation of Biological Systems tutorials are focused on the modulation of biological systems from cell to population l..

Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung
Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung

In this tutorial, the works of Carl Gustav Jung and Sigmund Freud are described. Both of them actively pursued the way h..

Buttress roots
Roots

This study guide tackles plant roots in greater detail. It delves into the development of plant roots, the root structur..

Digestion and Absorption of Food
Digestion and Absorption of Food

The gastrointestinal system breaks down particles of ingested food into molecular forms by enzymes through digestion and..

takahē
Takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri)

Meet the colorful takahē, an extremely rare flightless bird. Find out more about its unique features and why they matte..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics