Modification of the pharyngeal slits for first use in respiration occurred in early

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Pharyngeal slits first evolved in chordates and were modified for gas exchange in early fish with the development of gills. This allowed for aquatic respiration, which was essential for the survival of these early vertebrates. Amphibians later evolved external gills, reptiles developed the modern lung, and lophophorates and echinoderms are not chordates and therefore did not use pharyngeal slits for respiration.

Modification of the Pharyngeal Slits for First Use in Respiration