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Multiple Choice
Which clade is most directly related to lancelets?
A
Tunicates (Urochordata)
B
Vertebrates
C
Hemichordates
D
Echinoderms
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the question. Lancelets belong to the subphylum Cephalochordata, which is part of the phylum Chordata. Chordates are characterized by features such as a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and post-anal tail at some stage of development.
Step 2: Review the clades provided in the options. Tunicates (Urochordata) and Vertebrates are part of the phylum Chordata, while Hemichordates and Echinoderms belong to different phyla within the Deuterostomes.
Step 3: Compare the evolutionary relationships. Lancelets (Cephalochordata) are more closely related to Tunicates (Urochordata) and Vertebrates because they all share the defining characteristics of Chordates. Hemichordates and Echinoderms are more distantly related as they are not part of the Chordata phylum.
Step 4: Focus on the most direct relationship. Tunicates (Urochordata) are considered the closest relatives to lancelets within the Chordata phylum, as they share a more recent common ancestor compared to Vertebrates.
Step 5: Conclude that the clade most directly related to lancelets is Tunicates (Urochordata), based on their shared evolutionary lineage within the Chordata phylum.