Question

Discuss the possible influence of filter-feeding lifestyles on early chordate evolution

Answer 1

➤ Chordates consist of cephalochordates, urochordates, and vertebrates. They originated from a common ancestor(s) by evolving a novel type of tadpole-like larva characterized by a notochord and dorsal neural tube. Urochordata or Tunicata comprises three classes, Ascidiacea (ascidians), Thaliacea (salps), and Appendicularia (larvaceans); are extremely diverse in morphology, life history, and mode of reproduction; and may include either free-swimming or sessile adults. Recent molecular phylogenies support the notion that cephalochordates are basal among chordates, with urochordates the sister group to vertebrates.

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