What is Xenoturbella?
Q: What is Xenoturbella?
A: Xenoturbella is a genus of bilaterian animals that contains two marine worm-like species.
Q: When was the first known species discovered?
A: The first known species was discovered in 1915 but was only described in 1949.
Q: What did a 2003 DNA study show?
A: A 2003 DNA study showed that Xenoturbella is a primitive deuterostome phylum.
Q: How does it have a simple body plan?
A: Xenoturbella has no brain, no through gut, no excretory system, no organized gonads (but does have gametes), or any other organs except for a statocyst containing flagellated cells and a diffuse nervous system.
Q: How long can it be?
A: It can be up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) long.
Q: Where has it been found?
A: It has been found off the coasts of Sweden, Scotland and Iceland.
Q: What are some theories about its diet?
A: Some suggest that they are molluscivores while others think they may develop as an internal parasite of certain molluscs.
