What is a lophophore?
a. A specialized filter-feeding structure
b. The single opening in species with a blind gut
c. A distinctive type of larva with a band of cilia
d. A synapomorphy that defines lophotrochozoans

Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the term 'lophophore'. It is a specialized anatomical structure found in certain aquatic organisms.

Recognize that a lophophore is primarily used for filter-feeding. It consists of a ring of ciliated tentacles surrounding the mouth.

Consider the function of the lophophore: it helps in capturing food particles from the water, making it an efficient feeding mechanism.

Identify the organisms that possess a lophophore. These include brachiopods, bryozoans, and phoronids, which are part of the lophotrochozoan clade.

Conclude that the lophophore is a synapomorphy, a shared derived trait, that helps define the lophotrochozoans, a major group within the animal kingdom.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lophophore

A lophophore is a specialized filter-feeding structure found in certain aquatic invertebrates, such as brachiopods and bryozoans. It consists of a ring of ciliated tentacles that surround the mouth, aiding in the capture and transport of food particles from the water. This structure is crucial for the feeding mechanism of these organisms.

Blind Gut

A blind gut refers to a digestive system with a single opening that serves as both the mouth and the anus. Organisms with a blind gut ingest food and expel waste through the same opening, which limits the efficiency of digestion and nutrient absorption. This type of gut is found in simpler organisms, such as cnidarians and flatworms.

Lophotrochozoans

Lophotrochozoans are a diverse group of protostome animals characterized by the presence of a lophophore or trochophore larva. This clade includes mollusks, annelids, and other related phyla. The lophophore serves as a synapomorphy, a shared derived trait, that helps define and distinguish this group from other protostomes.

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Lophotrochozoans

Related Practice

Textbook Question

What is the function of the arthropod exoskeleton?

a. The presence of an exoskeleton has given arthropods a good fossil record, because hard parts fossilize more readily than do soft tissues.

b. It has no well-established function. (Trilobites had an exoskeleton, and they went extinct.)

c. It provides protection and functions in locomotion.

d. It makes growth by molting possible.

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