Give the distinguishing features of Tunicata.

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Distinguishing features of Tunicata or Urochordata: 

1. Habitat: They are exclusively marine. 

2. Body covering: Soft body is covered by ‘test’ or ‘tunic’ which is made up of tunicine. 

3. Notochord: Notochord is present only in the tail of the larva and is lost during metamorphosis. Hence, the name Urochordata.

4. Respiration: Pharynx with many gill slits for respiration. 

5. Circulation: Closed circulatory system is present. 

6. Reproduction: Development is indirect, e. g. Herdmania, Salpa, Doliolum, Ascidia.

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