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A CLADISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE PHYLA OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM BY VALENTINE (2004)

This figure is from Valentine (2004) and based on his analysis of molecular, morphological, and developmental characters.  Largely based on Giribet et al. (2000), who propose support for three major bilaterian protostome clades: Ecdysozoa (red), Platyzoa (green), and Lophotrochozoa (blue).  In addition, there are problematic groups (in black).  The Acoelomorpha, traditionally a subgroup within the free-living Platyhelminthes, is a sister group to all other bilaterians.  The only major deviation from Giribet el al. (2000), is Valentine's placement of the remaining Platyhelminthes with the Lophotrochozoa rather than the Platyzoa.