#invertebrates are fucking WEIRDDDDD its so awesome

[tauforged]

What is the absolute weirdest fact you know?

tunicates are chordates !! :D this means they have a spinal cord-esque structure (notochord) as free swimming larvae, which they then lose after metamorphosing into sessile filter-feeding adults.

that means that THIS THING

is technically more closely related to us taxonomically than THIS THING!!

this was one of my favorite animal facts to share with visitors when i was public-facing at work :D not everyone was as jazzed to learn this as i was to be sharing it but i just think it’s fun and interesting !!