[Campbell Biology P.737] Consider a newly discovered microscopic marine organism. Researcher... | Practice Question
Consider a newly discovered microscopic marine organism. Researchers observe that this organism has a bizarre life cycle where males impregnate females that are still developing inside their mothers, and the fertilized females then escape, settle elsewhere on a marine crustacean, and release their offspring. Based on the information provided, to which phylum would this organism most likely be assigned?
Explanation
The description perfectly matches the unique characteristics of Cycliophora, specifically 'Symbion pandora', which was discovered on the mouthparts of a lobster and has a bizarre life cycle involving males impregnating developing females.