Acorn Worms

Acorn worms, also known as enteropneusts, are marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Hemichordata. These soft-bodied animals are typically cylindrical in shape and can reach up to 60 cm in length. They are found worldwide in coastal regions and estuaries, burrowing in the sandy and muddy seafloor. Acorn worms have a complex body plan, with a proboscis, a collar and a branchial basket, which is unique among all other animals. Due to their unique anatomy, acorn worms are important for understanding the evolution of other animals including chordates and vertebrates. In addition, they also provide an important habitat for other marine species, as well as serving as a reliable food source for larger animals. As a result, understanding the biology of acorn worms is essential to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.