Living vertebrates can be divided into two major clades....

Living vertebrates can be divided into two major clades. Select the appropriate pair.
a. the chordates and the tetrapods
b. the urochordates and the cephalochordates
c. the cyclostomes and the gnathostomes
d. the marsupials and the eutherians

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Key Concepts

Cladistics

Cladistics is an approach in evolutionary biology that classifies organisms based on common ancestry and evolutionary relationships. It groups species into clades, which are lineages that include a common ancestor and all its descendants. This method is crucial for understanding the branching patterns of evolution, especially when distinguishing major divisions within a broader taxonomic group.

Cyclostomes

Cyclostomes are a clade of jawless vertebrates, characterized by the absence of jaws. This group, which includes living species like lampreys and hagfish, represents one of the earliest branches in vertebrate evolution, providing critical insights into the primitive features and evolutionary history of the vertebrate lineage.

Gnathostomes

Gnathostomes are jawed vertebrates, a clade that encompasses the vast majority of vertebrate species. This group is defined by the development of jaws, which allowed for more efficient feeding strategies and led to the diversification of vertebrate life, including species such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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