Halwaxiids and the early evolution of the lophotrochozoans

Science. 2007 Mar 2;315(5816):1255-8. doi: 10.1126/science.1137187.

Abstract

Halkieriids and wiwaxiids are cosmopolitan sclerite-bearing metazoans from the Lower and Middle Cambrian. Although they have similar scleritomes, their phylogenetic position is contested. A new scleritomous fossil from the Burgess Shale has the prominent anterior shell of the halkieriids but also bears wiwaxiid-like sclerites. This new fossil defines the monophyletic halwaxiids and indicates that they have a key place in early lophotrochozoan history.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Annelida / anatomy & histology
  • Annelida / classification
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Fossils*
  • Invertebrates / anatomy & histology
  • Invertebrates / classification*
  • Mollusca / anatomy & histology
  • Mollusca / classification
  • Phylogeny