An Investigation of Pyura Stolonifera (Tunicata) from the Cape Peninsula

Abstract

The paper presents a detailed anatomical description of the ssridian Pyura stolonifera, a dominant zone form on South African coasts which is ideal for student dissections. Notes on the ecology of die animal and new observations on the function of the branchial folds in feeding are included, as these lend significance to the structural specialisations of the animal and the pattern of evolution within the tunica tea.