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Protochordates, also known as protochordata, refer to a group of simple, marine organisms that are considered the evolutionary ancestors of vertebrates. They include three main subphyla: tunicates (sea squirts), cephalochordates (lancelets), and hagfish. These organisms exhibit key characteristics such as a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, and gill slits at some point in their life cycle, which are crucial for understanding the evolution of more complex vertebrates. Protochordates play a significant role in studying the origins of chordates and vertebrate development.

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1d ago

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