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Multiple Choice
Which of the following groups is most closely related to the hagfishes (Myxini)?
A
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
B
Lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii)
C
Cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
D
Lampreys (Petromyzontida)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the evolutionary relationships: Hagfishes (Myxini) and lampreys (Petromyzontida) are both jawless vertebrates, classified under the superclass Agnatha or Cyclostomata. This makes them more closely related to each other than to any jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes).
Review the characteristics of jawless vertebrates: Both hagfishes and lampreys lack jaws, paired fins, and scales, which are features found in jawed vertebrates like ray-finned fishes, lobe-finned fishes, and cartilaginous fishes.
Compare the other groups: Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii), and cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) are all jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes), which places them evolutionarily farther from hagfishes than lampreys.
Examine the phylogenetic tree: In a phylogenetic tree, hagfishes and lampreys form a clade (Cyclostomata) that is distinct from the clade of jawed vertebrates. This indicates a closer evolutionary relationship between hagfishes and lampreys.
Conclude based on evolutionary evidence: Since lampreys share the most recent common ancestor with hagfishes compared to the other groups, they are the group most closely related to hagfishes.