What are echinoderms' closest relatives?

It all depends on your definition of "closest relative". The Echinodermata, Xenoturbellida, Hemichordata, and Chordata are the 4 phyla of the Deuterostomes. All vertebrates, including us, are Chordata, so we're relatives of the Echinoderms. Although I wouldn't call us close... A Cladogram will help visualize the situation. read more

It all depends on your definition of"closest relative". The Echinodermata, Xenoturbellida, Hemichordata, and Chordata are the 4 phyla of the Deuterostomes. All vertebrates, including us, are Chordata, so we're relatives of the Echinoderms. read more

Yes, echinoderms. These are our closest living relatives. How that works is the topic of another blog post. read more