Question

Describe evidence showing that echinoderms are more closely related to chordates than are other invertebrate phyla.

Answer 1

The echinoderm embryo undergo the same radial cell cleavage patterns as chordates. they are deutorostomes. The embryotic cell migration produces the first opening (The blastophore) That eventually becomes the anus. 

Answer 2

Echinoderms and chordates are deuterostomes

Step-by-step explanation:

From the invertebrate phyla, Echinodermata is the only one which is deuterostome like chordates. That means the anus develops first in the organism. Echinoderms and chordates show all the properties of deuterostomes hence they are more closely related in comparison to other invertebrate phyla and chordates. Shared properties are:

• Radial cleavage: The 8 celled stage has two levels of 4 cells each
• Indeterminate cleavage: If cells are separated from the embryo during early stages, it can develop into an entire embryo.
• Blastopore becomes the posterior end