Document Detail


An advanced filter-feeder hypothesis for urochordate evolution.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19341326     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Chordates consist of cephalochordates, urochordates, and vertebrates. They originated from a common ancestor(s) by evolving a novel type of tadpole-like larva characterized by a notochord and dorsal neural tube. Urochordata or Tunicata comprises three classes, Ascidiacea (ascidians), Thaliacea (salps), and Appendicularia (larvaceans); are extremely diverse in morphology, life history, and mode of reproduction; and may include either free-swimming or sessile adults. Recent molecular phylogenies support the notion that cephalochordates are basal among chordates, with urochordates the sister group to vertebrates. This revitalized evolutionary scenario compels us to explain how the huge variety of lifestyles of extant urochordates evolved from a cephalochordate-like ancestor. Here, an advanced filter-feeder hypothesis is presented, in which, although the taxonomic position of larvaceans is enigmatic, it is argued that among urochordates, free-living larvaceans are basal, while sessile ascidians are derived. Urochordates might have evolved their traits in response to strong evolutionary advantages as specialists of suspension filter feeding. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of the notochord and several other organs in ascidian embryos are more comparable to those of vertebrates than cephalochordates. Thus, urochordates are close relatives to vertebrates.
Authors:
Nori Satoh
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Zoological science     Volume:  26     ISSN:  0289-0003     ISO Abbreviation:  Zool. Sci.     Publication Date:  2009 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-04-03     Completed Date:  2009-07-30     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8702287     Medline TA:  Zoolog Sci     Country:  Japan    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  97-111     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan. norisky@oist.jp
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Evolution*
Phylogeny
Urochordata / anatomy & histology,  genetics*

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