Question

Recent molecular phylogenetic work has lead to revisions of annelid taxonomy. Which of the following is not a true statement based on molecular analysis?

Multiple Choice
Clitellata is a monophyletic group composed of earthworms, leeches, and a few smaller taxa.
Phylum Annelida is divided into two classes: Polychaeta and Clitellata.
Errantia and Sedentaria represent the two major annelid clades
The name "Oligochaeta" (formerly used to denote a subclass) should no longer be used as a taxonomic designation

Answer 1

1. True.

Earthworms are segmented worms that belong to the Class Clitellata, and subclass Oligochaeta. Leeches also belong to the same class, but subclass Hirudinea.

2. False.

Annelida is divided into 3 main classes on the basis of presence and absence of parapodia, setae, metameres and other morphological characters. Polychaeta, Aelosomata, and Clitellata.

3. True.

Annelida was split into two major clades, the Errantia and the Sedentaria.

4. True.

The recent studies on maximum likelihood and Bayesian trees specify that the genera Aporrectodea, Allolobophora, Eisenia and Dendrobaena (Lumbricidae/oligochaetes) and Diplocardia are polyphyletic and are therefore invalid.