Chordata: Thaliacea

This chapter describes the taxonomy of Thaliacea, a class of the subphylum Tunicata encompassing pelagic organisms that, as all the other tunicates, have a body covered by a transparent cellulosic tunic. Thaliaceans are ubiquitous and they are common from coastal waters to the open ocean at all depths. The chapter covers their life cycle, ecology, and general morphology. It includes a section that indicates the systematic placement of the taxon described within the tree of life, and lists the key marine representative illustrated in the chapter (usually to genus or family level). This section also provides information on the taxonomic authorities responsible for the classification adopted, recent changes which might have occurred, and lists relevant taxonomic sources.