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Glite Dictionary
Cephalochordata

Cephalochordata

9.9
Small fish-like sea animals like lancelets that keep a flexible rod under their back for life
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛfəloʊˈkɔrdətə/
  • Specialized
: cefalocordados
  • Unlike vertebrates, Cephalochordata maintain a flexible notochord throughout their lives.

Examples

  • The Cephalochordata are small, fish-like marine animals found buried in sand.

  • Did you know that Cephalochordata include lancelets?

  • Scientists study Cephalochordata to better understand the evolution of vertebrates.

  • The Cephalochordata are fascinating creatures to study.

  • Scientists study Cephalochordata to better understand the evolution of vertebrates.

  • Unlike vertebrates, Cephalochordata maintain a flexible notochord throughout their lives.

  • The Cephalochordata are small, fish-like marine animals found buried in sand.

Surface Forms

Cephalochordata singular
Cephalochordatas plural

Morphology

Cephalochordata = Chordata (opaque) = cephalo + chordata

Scientific taxon formed by adding the combining form 'cephalo-' to the taxon name 'Chordata'; the parts are technical and not transparently meaningful to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Cephalochordata comes from Greek parts cephalo- meaning 'head' and -chordata meaning 'cord'. So the name points to animals like lancelets that have a long 'notochord' or backbone-like cord near the head and keep it throughout life.