Lophotrochozoa
The Lophotrochozoa or Spiralia are one of three major divisions of bilaterian animals, together with the Ecdysozoa and Deuterostomia. They typically include the following phyla:
The first four phyla are called the Trochozoa, named for the common presence of trochophore larvae. The arthropods have traditionally been considered close relatives of the annelids because they both have segmented body plans, but show notable differences and are removed by genetic studies to the Ecdysozoa. The other four phyla are traditionally grouped together as the lophophorates, named for the common presence of a lophophore, a fan of cilia surrounding the mouth. However, this group is likely paraphyletic.
The flatworms and their allies form a clade that is basal among the Lophotrochozoa, though it is sometimes treated separately as the Platyzoa. This comprises the phyla Platyhelminthes, Gastrotricha, and the gnathiferan phyla (such as rotifers).
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