Early Scientists Used Morphological Characteristics to Create a Phylogeny of Animals

Early scientists used morphological characteristics to create a phylogeny of animals, but recently, DNA sequence data have helped in the revision of phylogenies of taxa within the larger groups (i.e., bilaterians, sponges, cnidarians) . Why are morphological characteristics like "fate of the blastopore" or "body symmetry" relatively good at predicting larger-scale branching patterns on phylogenies?

A) The development of these characteristics is controlled genetically, therefore similarities in DNA sequence would be expected in more closely related taxa.
B) Characteristics like those described are necessary for living, therefore all organisms must have those traits.
C) All animals are descended from a common ancestor that had the traits described above.
D) These features reflect adaptations to life on land.