Question:

Which of the following statements is correct?

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Deuterostomes = radial cleavage + indeterminate development + enterocoelom formation.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • All the enterocoelomates are deuterostomes and they exhibit radial and indeterminate cleavage
  • All the enterocoelomates are protostomes and they exhibit radial and indeterminate cleavage
  • All the enterocoelomates are deuterostomes and they exhibit spiral and determinate cleavage
  • All the enterocoelomates are protostomes and they exhibit spiral and determinate cleavage
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand enterocoelomates.
Enterocoelomates are animals in which the coelom is formed by outpocketing of the primitive gut (archenteron). This is a characteristic feature of deuterostomes.

Step 2: Link with deuterostomes.

All enterocoelomates belong to deuterostomes such as echinoderms and chordates. Therefore, their developmental pattern matches deuterostomes.

Step 3: Cleavage pattern in deuterostomes.

Deuterostomes exhibit radial cleavage during early embryonic development. This means the cleavage planes are parallel or perpendicular to the polar axis.

Step 4: Type of developmental fate.

They also show indeterminate cleavage, meaning the fate of early embryonic cells is not rigidly fixed and can develop into a complete organism.

Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options.

Protostomes show spiral and determinate cleavage, which contradicts all options (2), (3), and (4).

Step 6: Conclusion.

Thus, the correct statement is that all enterocoelomates are deuterostomes and they exhibit radial and indeterminate cleavage.
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