What evidence does not support the hypothesis of independent evolution of the nervous system in ctenophores?
A) Ctenophores are the basal animal group.
B) Sponges are the basal animal group.
C) Ctenophores do not express all the proteins that are present in other animal nervous systems.
D) Ctenophores use molecules as neurotransmitters that are not present in other animal nervous systems.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sponges being the basal animal group suggests that they diverged from the common ancestor of all animals before the evolution of the nervous system. This implies that the nervous system could have evolved after the divergence of sponges from the lineage that led to other animals, including ctenophores, rather than ctenophores independently evolving a nervous system separate from other animal lineages.

What Evidence Does Not Support the Hypothesis of Independent Evolution