Phylogeny of Animals

Published 30.4.2006.

Presenting an overview of today´s views of animal evolution by describing the current state of debate of its history. The author adheres to a strict application of the phylogenic approach, attention is also paid to alternative phylogenic hypoteses. Justification for traditional textbook knowledge is challenged as study of animal phylogeny today undergoes revolutionary changes connected to the development of molecular phylogenic, genomic and evolutionary embryologic methods. Occasionally, highly complex hypoteses are reached regarding the origins and evolution of major evolutionary branches of animals, in particular of arthropods and vertebrates, and related key new evolutionary findings. These hypoteses, no matter how unfinished, suggest what an amazing insight into evolution we may be able to achieve within a few years.

• Unicellular relatives of animals
• What makes an animal animal
• The simplest multicellular organisms
• The origin of body axes
• Nervous systems of animals
• Diversity of arthropod body plans
• The origin of chordates and vertebrates

Read more about Biology Today series.