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Multiple Choice
Which of the following clades contains the greatest number of animal species?
A
Echinodermata
B
Arthropoda
C
Chordata
D
Mollusca
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of clades. A clade is a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all its descendants. In this problem, we are comparing the diversity of species within different clades of animals.
Step 2: Review the characteristics of each clade mentioned: Echinodermata (e.g., starfish, sea urchins), Arthropoda (e.g., insects, crustaceans, arachnids), Chordata (e.g., vertebrates like mammals, birds, fish), and Mollusca (e.g., snails, clams, octopuses).
Step 3: Recall that Arthropoda is the clade known to contain the greatest number of species among animals. This is due to the immense diversity of insects, which make up the majority of arthropods.
Step 4: Compare the relative species diversity of the other clades. Echinodermata has fewer species and is limited to marine environments. Mollusca is diverse but does not surpass Arthropoda. Chordata includes vertebrates but has fewer species overall compared to Arthropoda.
Step 5: Conclude that Arthropoda contains the greatest number of animal species, making it the most species-rich clade among the options provided.