Problem 159 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

The other name of Branchiostoma is (a) Amphioxus (b) Lancelet (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b), as Branchiostoma is known by both the names Amphioxus and Lancelet.

Step 1: Recall the names of Branchiostoma

Identify if you have prior knowledge about Branchiostoma, and recall all the other names you know for this organism.

Step 2: Compare with given options

Compare the names you have recalled with the options provided in the question. If any of the recalled names matches with the options, then that is the correct choice.

Key Concepts

Amphioxus

Amphioxus, also known as Branchiostoma, is a small marine creature that belongs to the subphylum Cephalochordata. Amphioxus is often found in shallow waters of temperate and tropical seas across the world. These small, fish-like organisms are well-known for their slender, elongated bodies that somewhat resemble fish, but they do not have the distinctive features commonly found in true fish, such as scales or a well-defined head.

Amphioxus hold a remarkable position in the biological world due to their evolutionary significance. They provide a glimpse into the early chordate development stages, offering scientists valuable insights into the evolutionary link between invertebrates and vertebrates. They serve as a model organism for evolutionary biology studies due to their simple yet informative body structure.

• They have a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits.
• Their small size and translucent body make them easy to study under laboratory conditions.
• They lack complex features like a developed brain or elaborate sensory organs found in more advanced vertebrates.

Lancelet

Lancelets, which are another name for species within the genus Branchiostoma, are similar to Amphioxus. The term "lancelet" is used interchangeably with Amphioxus, and both names refer to the same group of marine animals. These tiny creatures derive their name from the lancet-shaped structure of their bodies, which are sharp at both ends and elongated like a small knife.

Lancelets live on the sea floor, often burying themselves in sand with only their mouth exposed to filter food particles out of the water. This lifestyle helps them avoid predators and allows them to efficiently capture nutrients in their environment.

• Lancelets play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as part of the ocean's biodiversity.
• They maintain a simple anatomical structure that is used as a model for studying the basic chordate features.
• Despite their simplicity, lancelets have the same basic body plan that is characteristic of more complex organisms.

Biological Nomenclature

Biological Nomenclature is the system by which scientists universally identify and name all living organisms. This system ensures that each organism has a single, standardized scientific name that is recognized globally, reducing confusion that might arise from the use of common names, which can vary by region and language. This naming convention is structured in a hierarchical format and is guided by specific rules.

The scientific name of an organism typically consists of two parts: the genus name, which is capitalized, and the species identifier, which is lowercase. These names are usually in Latin or are Latinized, as the language is no longer used in everyday conversation and doesn't change over time, providing consistency in naming.

• Branchiostoma is the scientific name for the organism commonly known as either Amphioxus or Lancelet.
• Nomenclature helps in categorizing living organisms into groups, aiding scientific research and study.
• It allows for clear communication across scientific communities worldwide.
• Helps in avoiding ambiguities in scientific literature and discussions.