Tunicates

Tunicates, also known as sea squirts, are marine invertebrates belonging to the same scientific group as vertebrates. They are soft, sac-like animals that attach to underwater surfaces like rocks or ships. Tunicates have a tough outer covering and filter water through a siphon to extract plankton and nutrients. Despite their simple appearance, their larvae have features similar to vertebrates, making them important for studying evolutionary biology. Adult tunicates are stationary and use their feeding structures to survive in various marine environments. They play a vital role in ocean ecosystems by filtering water and recycling nutrients.