Scenario Several Studies Involving Molecular Analyses of Comb Jellies, Also Known

question 60

Multiple Choice

Scenario
Several studies involving molecular analyses of Comb jellies, also known as sea gooseberries, cast doubt on the theory that sponges are the oldest animal phylum. Reported results of the studies suggested that Comb jellies, more complex animals having muscles and a nervous system, may actually be the true, first phylum of animals that diverged from a metazoan common ancestor. However, in 2015, a team of scientists re-analyzed the genetic data in the Comb jellies research with more specialized methods, and they determined that sponges were indeed the oldest animal phylum.
-If Comb jellies were actually found to be the oldest animal phylum, how would this information impact our current understanding of the evolution of organisms?

• A)We would have to rethink our understanding of aspects of early evolution of multicellular animals such as the origins of nervous systems, tissues, and organs.
• B)We would have to re-classify numerous invertebrate species as vertebrate species.
• C)We would have to re-classify sponges into groups of organisms that exhibit bilateral symmetry.
• D)We would have to throw out all fossil evidence of animal diversification thought to occur during the Cambrian period.

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