Which Phylum was historically proposed for Wiwaxia, compared to Solenogastres?
Answer
Mollusca
One of the primary and long-standing hypotheses concerning the placement of *Wiwaxia* has been linking it to the Phylum Mollusca. Specifically, proponents drew comparisons between *Wiwaxia*'s sclerites and the scales found on primitive, shell-less mollusks belonging to the group Solenogastres. Although this association is now often met with skepticism due to the lack of other definitive molluscan characteristics in the fossil evidence, such as a clear foot or visceral mass, it represents a major historical attempt to place the organism within a familiar, extant phylum based on superficial similarities in external armor structures.
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