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Multiple Choice
According to a typical phylogenetic tree of animals, which phylum is most closely related to Chordata?
A
Arthropoda
B
Mollusca
C
Echinodermata
D
Annelida
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a phylogenetic tree. A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among organisms. Organisms that are closer together on the tree share a more recent common ancestor.
Step 2: Recall the classification of Chordata. Chordata is a phylum that includes animals with a notochord, such as vertebrates, and is part of the Deuterostomia group.
Step 3: Identify the phylum Echinodermata. Echinodermata includes marine animals like starfish and sea urchins, and it is also part of the Deuterostomia group, making it closely related to Chordata.
Step 4: Compare the evolutionary relationships of the other phyla listed (Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Annelida). These phyla belong to the Protostomia group, which diverged earlier from the Deuterostomia group in evolutionary history.
Step 5: Conclude that Echinodermata is the phylum most closely related to Chordata because both belong to the Deuterostomia group, sharing a more recent common ancestor compared to the other phyla listed.