Miscues misplace sponges

In contrast to several recent publications (1⇓⇓⇓–5), Pisani et al. (6) claim that ( i ) genomic data do not support ctenophores as the sister group to other animals and ( ii ) independent evolution of complex features (e.g., neurons, muscles) in ctenophores is not supported. These claims are based on selective interpretation, subjective criteria, and improper assumptions about original analyses. Pisani et al.’s (6) conclusions about evolution improperly treat complex traits as single characters. Features such as neuromusclular systems possess several independently evolving cell lineages and mechanisms. Given that underlying components of these systems use remarkably different molecular machinery (1), whether Porifera or Ctenophora is sister to other animals is irrelevant to … [↵][1]2To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: ken{at}auburn.edu or nwhelan{at}auburn.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1