Acoela

E460531

Acoela are simple, small, worm-like marine animals lacking a true gut, considered among the most basal and primitive bilaterian animals.

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Statements (51)

Predicate Object
instanceOf bilaterian
clade
worm-like animal
anus absent
bodyPlan acoelomate
bodyShape small flattened worms
bodySize typically less than 5 mm long
bodySymmetry bilateral symmetry
contains genus Convoluta
genus Symsagittifera NERFINISHED
numerous small meiofaunal species
development direct development without typical larval stage in many species
diet microalgae
organic detritus
small invertebrates
digestiveOpening single mouth opening
digestiveSystem syncytial digestive vacuole
distinguishedFromPlatyhelminthesBy different organization of nervous system
lack of protonephridia
molecular phylogenetic evidence
epidermis ciliated epidermis
evolutionarySignificance important for understanding early bilaterian evolution
excretorySystem lacks protonephridia
feedingType detritivores
micro-predators
fertilization internal fertilization
geographicDistribution worldwide in marine environments
germLayers triploblastic
habitat benthic environments
interstitial spaces in marine sediments
marine
hasBodyCavity no true body cavity
hasBrain no true brain
hasCirculatorySystem absent
hasGut no true gut
hasRespiratorySystem absent
kingdom Animalia
locomotion ciliary gliding
musculature well-developed body-wall muscles
nervousSystem simple nervous system
nervousSystemOrganization anterior concentration of neurons
phylum Xenacoelomorpha NERFINISHED
positionInBilateria among the most basal bilaterian animals
previouslyClassifiedAs Acoelomorpha NERFINISHED
order of Platyhelminthes
reproduction asexual reproduction by fission in some species
sexual reproduction
researchUse model for studying body plan evolution
model for studying nervous system evolution
symbiosis some species host symbiotic algae
taxonomicRank subphylum-level group (historical usage)

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Xenacoelomorpha contains Acoela