1. The Lower CambrianPhlogitesLuo & Hu re-considered
- Author
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Hou Xian-Guang, Zhao Jie, Ma Xiao-Ya, and Jan Bergström
- Subjects
biology ,Evolutionary biology ,Phylum ,Genus ,GENERAL MORPHOLOGY ,Gnathifera ,Paleontology ,Zoology ,Geology ,Dendrobrachia ,biology.organism_classification ,Cheungkongella ,Neoteny - Abstract
Cheungkongella Shu et al., 2001, was interpreted as a urochordate. Chen et al. (2003) regarded the genus to be a junior synonym of Phlogites Luo & Hu, in Luo et al. 1999, and to represent a type of tentaculate similar to entoprocts. We agree with the latter interpretation. However, we have a different interpretation of the tentacles and add to the understanding of general morphology and anatomy. While accepting the similarities to tentaculates such as entoprocts and bryozoans, we believe that they are mainly the results of parallel achievements of ciliary feeding through paedomorphosis. Additional similarities, such as the presence of a stiff periderm, may indicate that the separate origins should be sought for among interrelated worm groups, presumably gnathiferans. Phlogites therefore seems to represent a separate phylum, for which we introduce the name Dendrobrachia.
- Published
- 2006
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