UNIT 2 Q5

1. Do worms (in the broad sense) form a monophyletic group? What does this tell us about the evolution
of a tubular/vermiform body plan? Answer in not more than 5 sentences.

Worms form a polyphyletic group as it grouped distantly related species but does not include the most
recent common ancestor of the members. These organisms came from different phyla and display a
great range in size, complexity, and body structure. Roundworms (phylum Nematoda) have a slightly
more complex body plan than flatworms (phylum Platyhelminthes) and segmented worms (phylum
Annelida) are the most complex animals with worm-like body plans. These variations in overall body
plan suggest a gradual increase in body plan complexity from the vermiform.

2. Create a simple phylogenetic tree showing the relationships of the following taxa.

• Philodina

• Euplectella

• Obelia

• Taenia

• Hermit crab