Relationships within the Lophotrochoza are tentative.Examine the statements below.Some statements are true and reflect our current state of knowledge,but they would not add any new information to our understanding of lophotrochozoan phylogeny.Others are hypothetical (and probably untrue),but if true they would help clarify lophotrochozoan relationships.Select all statements that would add new information and could change our perception of lophotrochozoan relationships.

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It is well established that annelids,brachiopods,and molluscs have trochophore larval stages,and this synapomorphy helps inform our current understanding of their close relationships.A synapormorphy that unites all platyhelminth classes is missing.Any discovery that provided such a synapomorphy would affirm the validity of that phylum.Platyzoa is probably paraphyletic and is an element in the tentative nature of the relationships within the lophotrocozoa.New analyses that linked Rotifera and Micrognathozoa would probably mean the Rotifera and Acanthocephala should not be combined into a single phylum.

Relationships Within the Lophotrochoza Are Tentative