Ciona intestinalis

Ciona intestinalis, commonly known as the vase tunicate, is a species of sea squirt, a type of tunicate, that belongs to the Phylum Chordata. This marine invertebrate is notable for its soft, gelatinous body encased in a tubular tunic, which gives it the appearance of a translucent, living vase. Ciona intestinalis is found in shallow waters around the world, often attached to surfaces in protected areas such as marinas and bays.

Description

Ciona intestinalis has a simple, sack-like body structure, typically ranging from 10 to 20 cm in length. The body is covered by a tunic, which is a unique outer covering made of a cellulose-like substance called tunicin. This species is characterized by its two siphons: an incurrent (oral) siphon at the top and an excurrent (atrial) siphon on the side. Water is drawn into the body through the incurrent siphon, filtered for food particles, and then expelled through the excurrent siphon.

Habitat and Distribution

Ciona intestinalis is widely distributed across temperate and subtropical seas worldwide. It prefers shallow, sheltered waters and is often found attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, and man-made structures like docks and boat hulls. This species has a broad tolerance for various environmental conditions, allowing it to inhabit a wide range of coastal ecosystems.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

Reproduction in Ciona intestinalis can occur both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, it is a hermaphroditic species, with individuals producing both eggs and sperm. Fertilization is external, with eggs and sperm being released into the water column. The resulting larvae are free-swimming and possess a notochord, making them members of the chordate phylum. After a brief planktonic stage, the larvae settle onto a suitable substrate and metamorphose into the adult form.

Asexual reproduction occurs through budding, a process where new individuals grow directly from the body of an existing one. This mode of reproduction can lead to the formation of dense colonies.

Ecological Role and Importance

Ciona intestinalis plays a significant role in its ecosystem as both a filter feeder and a prey species. By filtering water, it helps maintain water clarity and quality, while also serving as a food source for a variety of predators, including fish and invertebrates.

This species is also of scientific interest due to its simple body plan and chordate characteristics. It has become a model organism in developmental and evolutionary biology, particularly in studies related to the origins and evolution of the chordates.

Conservation and Threats

While Ciona intestinalis is not currently considered endangered, it can become invasive in areas outside its native range, potentially impacting local ecosystems and biodiversity. In some regions, it has been known to outcompete native species for space and resources.

Research and Applications

Research on Ciona intestinalis has contributed significantly to our understanding of chordate development, gene regulation, and evolutionary biology. Its relatively simple genome and the ease with which it can be studied in the laboratory make it a valuable resource for genetic and biomedical research.

See Also

• Tunicate
• Chordata
• Invasive species

References

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