Molecular data confirm that cnidarians branched off from the rest of animals before ________ evolved.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Molecular data has shown that cnidarians, which include jellyfish and corals, diverged from the rest of the animal kingdom before bilateral symmetry evolved. This means that cnidarians have a different body plan compared to other animals, which have a distinct left and right side. Therefore, the correct answer is D, bilateral symmetry. The other answer choices, such as echinoderms, Porifera, mollusks, and arthropods, all evolved after cnidarians diverged.

Molecular Data Confirm That Cnidarians Branched Off from the Rest