Fig. 8

Comparison of nervous system architecture across the Scalidophora. Information presented here is based upon published available data and results from this study (see Discussion). Solid colored bars represent the presence of characters listed on the left side of the figure. Absence of a solid colored bar reflects absence of the associated character. Dashed colored bars represent predicted characters. A question mark reflects uncertainty about predicted character states. Encircled n reflect uncertainty in the organization or number predicted character states. The asterisk in Kinorhyncha indicates that some species show unequal thickness areas along the brain (see Discussion). Two asterisks in Priapulida indicate variability in organization of the brain within the clade. Abbreviations: ABD, abdomen; K, Kinorhyncha; L, Loricifera; Np, neuropil; P, Priapulida; So, somata; TRNK, trunk; VNC, ventral nerve cord