Chapter 23, Problem 1RQ

What characteristics shared by the three deuterostome phyla indicate a monophyletic group of interrelated animals?

Summary Introduction

To determine: The three characteristics shared by the deuterostomes that indicate a monophyletic group of interrelated animals.

Introduction: Embryonic development is an intricate process where a large number of genes, proteins, enzymes, and signaling methods are required to accurately form the different structures of the growing fetus.

Explanation of Solution

The three characteristics that are shared by deuterostomes that indicate the monophyletic group of interrelated animals are as follows:

• The deuterostomes and the chordates have radial cleavage.
• In the case of deuterostomes, the anus is derived from the first embryonic opening and the mouth is derived from the second embryonic opening.
• The coelom is formed by the fusion of the enterocoelous pouches.