Cephalochordata

/ˌsɛfəloʊkɔːrˈdeɪtə/ noun

Definition

Alternative scientific name for the subphylum of marine animals characterized by a notochord, including lancelets.

Etymology

From Greek 'kephale' (head) + Latin 'chorda' (cord) + '-ata' (plural suffix). Variant taxonomic nomenclature for the same group as Cephalochorda.

Kelly Says

The naming confusion around this group shows how taxonomy keeps evolving as we learn more—what we call things changes, but these creatures' importance to understanding our origins remains constant.

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