Xenoturbella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xenoturbella |
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| Xenoturbella japonica | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Phylum: | |
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Xenoturbellida
Westblad, 1949
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| Family: |
Xenoturbellidae
Westblad, 1949
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| Genus: |
Xenoturbella
Westblad, 1949
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Xenoturbella is a special group of animals. They are small, worm-like creatures that live in the sea. There are two known types, or species, of Xenoturbella.
Scientists first found one of these animals in 1915. But they didn't fully describe it until 1949. Later, in 2003, DNA studies showed that Xenoturbella is a very old and simple type of animal. It belongs to a group called deuterostomes. This group also includes humans and many other complex animals.
Contents
What is Xenoturbella?
Xenoturbella is the first animal discovered in its special group, called the Xenoturbellida. This group is very important because it's one of the earliest branches on the animal family tree. It's related to animals like starfish (echinoderms) and acorn worms (hemichordates).
A Simple Body
Xenoturbella animals have a very simple body. They don't have a brain or a proper gut that goes all the way through. They also don't have a system to get rid of waste. They don't even have organized parts for reproduction, though they do have reproductive cells.
The only real "organ" they have is a small balance organ called a statocyst. This organ helps them know which way is up. They also have tiny hair-like structures called cilia all over their body. These help them move. They have a simple network of nerves, but not a central brain.
Where Do They Live?
These interesting animals can grow up to about 4 centimeters long. They have been found living off the coasts of Sweden, Scotland, and Iceland.
What Do They Eat?
Scientists used to think that Xenoturbella might eat molluscs, like snails or clams. This idea came from finding them near mollusc larvae (baby molluscs).
However, another idea is that baby Xenoturbella might live inside certain molluscs as parasites. This means they would live off the mollusc without helping it. Scientists are still studying this to find out for sure.
Types of Xenoturbella
There are two main species in the Xenoturbella group:
- Xenoturbella bocki
- Xenoturbella westbladi
See also
In Spanish: Xenoturbella para niños
