Cephalochorda

/ˌsɛfəloʊˈkɔːrdə/ noun

Definition

A subphylum of small marine animals related to chordates, including lancelets and amphioxus, characterized by a notochord.

Etymology

From Greek 'kephale' (head) + Latin 'chorda' (cord). Taxonomic group name describing animals with a cord-like notochord extending anteriorly.

Kelly Says

Amphioxus, the famous lancelet in this group, looks like a tiny transparent worm but is actually closer to humans genetically than to most fish—it's the Rosetta Stone of vertebrate evolution.

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