Asked by magalys deljesus on Jun 03, 2024
Verified
What is the common ancestor of animals and how did they evolve into animals?
Common Ancestor
The most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolutionary diverged.
Animals
Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia, characterized by their ability to move, consume organic material, and sense their environment.
- Understand the evolutionary links that exist between animals and their shared ancestors.
Verified Answer
TS
Tyler ScogginJun 09, 2024
Final Answer :
Choanoflagellates are a group of protists thought to be a common ancestor of animals. Colonies of flagellates became specialized to perform specific functions, such as movement, feeding, or reproduction. As the division of labor evolved, a colony of flagellates reached the level of cooperation and coordination that qualified it to be considered a single organism, the first animal.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the evolutionary links that exist between animals and their shared ancestors.