Question

Symphylids are closely related to
(A) Centipedes
(B) Millipedes
(C) Snails
(D) Slugs
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A) and (B) only
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

All terrestrial arthropods with many legs (centipedes, millipedes, and symphylans) are grouped under the subphylum Myriapoda, distinguishing them from molluscs like snails and slugs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Symphylids (class Symphyla), commonly known as garden centipedes, are small, soil-dwelling arthropods.
Their evolutionary relationships are determined by their classification within the phylum Arthropoda.
Detailed Explanation:
- Symphylids belong to the subphylum Myriapoda within the phylum Arthropoda.
- The subphylum Myriapoda is divided into four main classes:
1. Chilopoda (Centipedes) (A)
2. Diplopoda (Millipedes) (B)
3. Symphyla (Symphylids)
4. Pauropoda
- Because they share the same subphylum (Myriapoda), symphylids are closely related to centipedes and millipedes.
- Snails (C) and slugs (D) are gastropod molluscs belonging to the phylum Mollusca, which is evolutionary separate from Arthropoda.
As a result, only (A) and (B) are close evolutionary relatives of symphylids.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Symphylids are closely related to centipedes and millipedes, which matches option (3).