Lophotrochozoa is a remarkably diverse group of animals that includes mollusks, worms, and some lesser-known, peculiar creatures. The evolutionary relationships among some of the phyla within this group are still subject to debate. This is the case for three phyla of tiny suspension feeders (Ectoprocta, Entoprocta, and Cycliophora), which have previously jumped back and forth in the lophotrochozoan tree, depending on the data and methods used to assemble it.
A new study published last week (July 1) in Science Advances proposes that all three of these phyla belong to the same clade, backing a classification that dates back to 1830 and was revived in the late 1990s. In that classification, the phyla were collectively dubbed Polyzoa. The new analysis, which includes high-quality data on gene expression in ectoprocts (also known as bryozans) and entoprocts, further suggests that the trio was one of the first to branch out from other lophotrochozoans.
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