Question:

Which hypothetical larva is considered as the ancestor of all Echinoderms?

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Dipleurula is a theoretical bilateral larva representing the common ancestor of echinoderm larval types.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • Pentacrinoid
  • Bipinnaria
  • Echinopluteus
  • Dipleurula
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding Echinoderm development.
- Echinoderms are marine invertebrates including starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.
- Their larvae undergo indirect development with planktonic stages.

Step 2: Concept of ancestral larva.

- Dipleurula is a hypothetical, bilateral, ciliated larva proposed as the ancestor of all echinoderms.
- It represents the basic larval body plan from which different echinoderm larvae evolved.

Step 3: Comparison with other larvae.

- Pentacrinoid: a larval form of crinoids.
- Bipinnaria: larval stage of starfish, derived from Dipleurula.
- Echinopluteus: larval form of echinoids (sea urchins), derived.

Step 4: Significance of Dipleurula.

- Shows bilateral symmetry; adult echinoderms are pentaradially symmetrical.
- Provides evolutionary link for larval forms across classes.

Step 5: Conclusion.

Hence, Dipleurula is considered the ancestor of all echinoderm larvae.
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