Cephalochordates

Cephalochordates, also known as lancelets or amphioxus, are small, fish-like marine animals that belong to the chordate phylum, which includes all vertebrates. They have a simple, transparent body with a nerve cord running along their back and a notochord, a supportive rod that provides structure. These animals are important for understanding vertebrate evolution because they possess many features found in more complex animals but in a more basic form. Cephalochordates are filter feeders, swimming in the water and siphoning tiny particles for food, and they live buried in sandy environments.