Question

Evolutionarily, protochordates may be intermediate animals between invertebrates and vertebrates. Imagine that a scientist is testing the hypothesis that vertebrates evolved from echinoderms. If he/she is studying a newly found protochordate species, what is an example of a discovery that would weaken this hypothesis? What is an example of a discovery that would strengthen it?

Answer 1

Hypothesis to be tested: Vertebrates developed from echinoderms.

Testing material: A newly discovered protochordate species (more specifically, a vertebrate precursor).

Example that would weaken the speculation (making the brand new protochordate species evolutionarily remote from echinoderms): coming across that the new species is protostome, in place of echinoderms, which might be deuterostomes. This remark raises the opportunity that deuterostomy in vertebrates is independent in foundation from that of echinoderms.

Instance that could enhance the speculation (making the new protochordate species evolutionarily in the direction of echinoderms): discovering that the brand new species has secondary radial symmetry, that is much like echinoderms. This commentary strengthens the speculation that echinoderms and vertebrates are family