Concept explainers
Describe likely features of the common ancestor of chordates, and explain your reasoning.
To explain: Likely features of common ancestor of chordates.
Concept introduction:
Deuterostomes are the likely ancestors of the Chordates. Deuterostomes consists of Echinoderms, Cephalochordates, Urochordates and many more phylums. They do not look physiologically like chordates but are genetically very similar.
Explanation of Solution
The features of the common ancestors of chordates are the presence of dorsal nerve cord and notochord. They possess pharyngeal slits that function as gills of fish. They also possess a muscular tail that surpasses the anus. The symmetry is bilateral as the cord passes through the center.
The modern-day chordate possess various features same as their ancestors. Presence of the nerve cord and muscular layering over it are seen in the ancestors, the features that are now fully developed in phylum Chordata.
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Chapter 34 Solutions
Campbell Biology (10th Edition)
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