UNIT 2 Q6

1. Tunicates have simple bodies that resemble sponges. Explain one evidence that proves their
(tunicates’) closer relationship to the vertebrates.

One of the unifying characteristics of the chordates is the presence of the dorsal hollow nerve chord and
notochord in their bodies. Tunicates have nerve chord and notochord during their early development,
similar with that of the vertebrates, but these features are lost in their adult stage. On the other hand,
the nerve cord of the vertebrates becomes the spinal cord and brain.

2. Many echinoderms exhibit radial pentamerous symmetry. Why are they not considered close relatives
of cnidarians, which also exhibit radial symmetry?

They might have similar body forms, but they have different body composition as their embryos undergo
different early stage of development. Cnidarians are diploblastic while echinoderms are triploblastic.
Cnidarians have a body that is composed of only 2 germ layers which are endoderm and ectoderm while
echinoderms have 3 germ layers endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Hence, echinoderms are more
similar to chordates according to their early embryonic development stage.