Question

Mode of feeding in tunicates is

• A. Parasitic
• B. Phagocytosis
• C. Ciliary filter
• D. Mixotrophic

Answer 1

The correct option is C Ciliary filter

Tunicates are commonly called as 'sea squirts' and are a group of marine animals that spend most of their lives attached to docks, rocks or the undersides of boats. It has a ciliated groove, known as 'endostyle' on its ventral surface and this secretes a mucous net, which collects food particles and is wound up on the dorsal side of the pharynx.

Nearly all tunicates are suspension feeders, capturing planktonic particles by filtering seawater through their bodies. Tunicates obtain their food by the ciliary movement of wheel organ. Thus, the correct answer is option C.