Evolution of the bilaterian body plan: what have we learned from annelids?

Shankland, M; Seaver, E C; New Collective Author · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2000

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Annelids, unlike their vertebrate or fruit fly cousins, are a bilaterian taxon often overlooked when addressing the question of body plan evolution. However, recent data suggest that annelids offer unique insights on the early evolution of spiral cleavage, anteroposterior axis formation, body axis segmentation, and head versus trunk distinction.

Medical subject headings