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Multiple Choice
Which of the following invertebrates is most closely related to the vertebrates?
A
Mollusks
B
Arthropods
C
Annelids
D
Echinoderms
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of evolutionary relationships: In biology, evolutionary relationships are determined by common ancestry. Organisms that share a more recent common ancestor are considered more closely related.
Identify the phylum of each group: Mollusks belong to the phylum Mollusca, Arthropods to Arthropoda, Annelids to Annelida, and Echinoderms to Echinodermata.
Recognize the characteristics of Echinoderms: Echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins, are marine animals characterized by radial symmetry and a water vascular system.
Consider the evolutionary lineage: Vertebrates belong to the phylum Chordata. Echinoderms and Chordates are both part of the superphylum Deuterostomia, which indicates a closer evolutionary relationship compared to the other groups listed.
Conclude based on evolutionary evidence: Since Echinoderms and Vertebrates share a common ancestor within the Deuterostomia lineage, Echinoderms are the invertebrates most closely related to vertebrates.