Maldanomorpha is a monophyletic group, or clade, of polychaete worms in the phylum Annelida. Several phylogenetic analyses based on morphological and molecular data have shown that this clade unites the families Arenicolidae and Maldanidae. The two main synapomorphies, morphological characters described to unite both families, are a lecithotrophic larval development and the presence of an uncinus, a hook-like structure with barbs.[1][2]

Maldanomorpha
Maldanid worm
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Clade: Sedentaria
Clade: Maldanomorpha
Meyer & Bartolomaeus 1995
Families

References

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  1. ^ de Assis, José Eriberto; Christoffersen, Martin Lindsey (2011). "Phylogenetic relationships within Maldanidae (Capitellida, Annelida), based on morphological characters". Systematics and Biodiversity. 9 (3): 233–245. Bibcode:2011SyBio...9..233D. doi:10.1080/14772000.2011.604358.
  2. ^ Schweigkofler M, Bartolomaeus T, von Salvini-Plawen L (1998). "Ultrastructure and formation of hooded hooks in Capitella capitata (Annelida, Capitellida)". Zoomorphology. 118 (2): 117–128. doi:10.1007/s004350050062.