If the arthropod association holds, what does this imply about Ecdysozoa evolution?
Answer
Earlier acquisition of chitinous or sclerotized integument
If *Wiwaxia* is genuinely related to the Arthropod lineage, it suggests a profound revision of the timeline for key evolutionary developments within the Ecdysozoa—the superphylum including arthropods and nematodes. Specifically, it implies that the process of developing a sclerotized or chitinous external covering (integument) was acquired significantly earlier in the lineage leading to arthropods than current evolutionary models often allow. This would position *Wiwaxia* as a very basal, bizarre offshoot that developed hard external features independently or long before the main arthropod line became dominant.
Related Questions
Where were fossils of Wiwaxia corrugata primarily recovered?What are the flattened, scale-like plates covering Wiwaxia's back called?What was the potential function of the long, rigid spines projecting from Wiwaxia?Which Phylum was historically proposed for Wiwaxia, compared to Solenogastres?What is the estimated typical length range for Wiwaxia individuals?View B categorization suggests Wiwaxia associates with what group?Why is the connection to Phylum Annelida not strongly supported in Wiwaxia fossils?What conflicting evidence clouds Wiwaxia's placement outside Mollusca/Annelida?If the arthropod association holds, what does this imply about Ecdysozoa evolution?View A places Wiwaxia into which specific taxonomic Order?