What Is Protochordate Animals?

Protochordates are an informal category of animals (i.e.: not a proper taxonomic group), named mainly for convenience to describe invertebrate animals that are closely related to vertebrates. This group is composed of the Phylum Hemichordata and the Subphyla Urochordata and Cephalochordata.

What are Protochordates give examples?

Examples of protochordata include Amphioxus, Salpa, Doliolum, and Saccoglossus.

Why Protochordates are also called Acraniates?

The organisms belonging to the Protochordata are generally known as the lower chordates. They don't form a “proper” taxonomic group and are only classified as such for convenience purposes. However, they do form a major group of Chordata. They are also known as Acraniata because they lack a true skull.