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How many clades does the Bilateria comprise?

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Final answer:

The Bilateria clade is divided into three main clades: Deuterostomia, Ecdysozoa, and Lophotrochozoa, each containing a diverse array of bilaterally symmetrical animals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Bilateria comprises multiple clades, reflecting the diversity of bilaterally symmetrical animals. Specifically, Bilateria is subdivided into three clades: Deuterostomia, Ecdysozoa, and Lophotrochozoa.

Deuterostomia includes groups like chordates (which in turn include vertebrates) and echinoderms. Ecdysozoa encompasses arthropods (such as crustaceans, insects, and spiders) and nematodes, known for the process of ecdysis or molting.

Lastly, Lophotrochozoa is characterized by distinctive larval stages (trochophore larvae) or feeding structures (lophophore), with members comprising of mollusks and annelids, among others.

Clades are groups of organisms that share a common ancestor. In the case of the Bilateria, it is divided into several clades, including Deuterostomia, Ecdysozoa, and Lophotrochozoa. Each clade represents a distinct branch of the evolutionary tree within the Bilateria.

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