The lancelets are referred to as chordates because they do not have backbones.

tunicate
decapods
echinoderm
invertebrate

Lancelets are marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Chordata and are characterized by their notochord instead of a backbone. They are classified as invertebrates and are considered important for understanding vertebrate evolution. Unlike tunicates and echinoderms, lancelets maintain primitive features of their biological structure throughout their life stages. ;

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-07

Lancelets are marine invertebrates classified as chordates due to their possession of a notochord instead of a backbone. They exhibit primitive characteristics that are critical for understanding vertebrate evolution. This classification differentiates them from other marine animals such as tunicates and echinoderms, as they maintain their notochord throughout their lives.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-10