The designation of hemichordates as primitive chordates in 1885 by Bateson has proved
A) accurate using new molecular data.
B) overenthusiastic since the structure he interpreted as a notochord does not have notochord embryology.
C) completely wrong since new research indicates that all features he interpreted as chordate features are actually other structures.
D) as puzzling today as in 1885.
E) None of the choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bateson's designation of hemichordates as primitive chordates was based on the structure he interpreted as a notochord. However, further research has shown that this structure does not have notochord embryology, indicating that hemichordates are not actually chordates. Therefore, while Bateson's designation was overenthusiastic rather than completely wrong, it is not accurate based on new molecular data.

The Designation of Hemichordates as Primitive Chordates in 1885 by Bateson