The Lophotrochozoa ( /ləˌfɒtrɵkɵˈzoʊ.ə/, "crest/wheel animals") are a major grouping of protostome animals. The taxon was discovered based on molecular data. Molecular evidence such as a result of studies of the evolution of small-subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) supports the monophyly of the phyla listed in the infobox shown at right.
The word "lophotrochozoan" is sometimes equated with spiralian. When used in a broader sense (sensu lato), it can in...
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The Lophotrochozoa ( /ləˌfɒtrɵkɵˈzoʊ.ə/, "crest/wheel animals") are a major grouping of protostome animals. The taxon was discovered based on molecular data. Molecular evidence such as a result of studies of the evolution of small-subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) supports the monophyly of the phyla listed in the infobox shown at right.
The word "lophotrochozoan" is sometimes equated with spiralian. When used in a broader sense (sensu lato), it can include rotifers and platyhelminthes. When used sensu stricto, it refers to a subgroup of Spiralia.
The Lophotrochozoa comprise two groups, the trochozoans and the lophophorata. The exact relationships between the different phyla are not entirely certain. However, it appears that neither the lophophorates nor the trochozoa are monophyletic groups by themselves, but are mixed.
Other phyla are included on the basis of molecular data.
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