Morphological characteristics of phylum Echinodermata. Identify the morphological characteristics shared by all groups in the phylum Echinodermata.

Morphological characteristics of phylum Echinodermata. Identify the morphological characteristics shared by all groups in the phylum Echinodermata.

• Define the distinguishing characteristics of chordates and vertebrates, and contrast them with the characteristics of other animal phyla.
• Explain how the duplication of Hox genes and Hox gene complexes relates to the evolution of novel characteristics and new body plans in vertebrates.