avskjærere

Avskjærere are a type of marine organism belonging to the phylum Chordata, specifically within the subphylum Tunicata. These are commonly known as tunicates or sea squirts. The term "avskjærere" is a less common designation, primarily used in certain regional contexts or older classifications. Tunicates are characterized by a leathery or gelatinous outer covering called a tunic, which is secreted by the animal itself. This tunic provides protection and support.

Most avskjærere are sessile, meaning they attach themselves to a substrate, such as rocks, shells, or pilings, and remain in one place for much of their adult lives. They are filter feeders, drawing water into their bodies through an oral siphon and expelling it through an atrial siphon after filtering out plankton and other small food particles. This feeding mechanism gives some species their characteristic "squirt" action when disturbed.

The life cycle of avskjærere typically involves a free-swimming larval stage that is more mobile and resembles a tadpole. This larval stage is responsible for dispersal and finding suitable locations for settlement. Once settled, the larva undergoes metamorphosis to become the sessile adult. Avskjærere are found in marine environments worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea, and exhibit a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They play important roles in marine ecosystems, including filtration of water and serving as a food source for other organisms.