Definition of pterobranch in English:
pterobranch
noun ˈtɛrə(ʊ)braŋkˈterəˌbraNGk
Zoology A minute tube-dwelling colonial acorn worm found chiefly in deep water.
Class Pterobranchia, phylum Hemichordata
Example sentencesExamples
- The ciliary bands on the phoronid and brachiopod tentacles are upstream-collecting bands with separate cilia on monociliate cells just like those of larvae or adults of pterobranchs, echinoderms and enteropneusts.
- Ax favors the Pharyngotremata hypothesis, but compiles evidence that not only the hemichordates but also the pterobranchs are paraphyletic grades.
- Previously, hemichordates were thought to be paraphyletic, with enteropneusts (acorn worms) more closely related to chordates and pterobranchs closer to echinoderms.
- The SSU data supported enteropneust paraphyly by placing acorn worms of the family Ptychoderidae as the sister to a group consisting of pterobranchs + acorn worms of the family Harrimaniidae.
- There are two classes of hemichordate, the pterobranchs and the enteropneusts, which differ greatly in appearance and lifestyle.