The Lophophorate Phyla are Grouped Together Because

Question

The lophophorate phyla are grouped together because
A)they all belong to the deuterostome branch of the bilateral animals.
B)they all possess a specialized crown of tentacles specialized for sedentary filter feeding.
C)they all lack a true coelom.
D)all appear to be derived from the Entoprocta ancestors.
E)they simply do not fit anywhere else.

Accepted Answer

The lophophorate phyla (Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, and Phoronida) are grouped together because they all possess a specialized crown of tentacles called a lophophore, which is used for sedentary filter feeding. This unique characteristic sets them apart from other animal phyla.