Comb jellies and the evolutionary tree

An assistant professor in biological sciences at The University of Alabama was part of a new research study that provides some evidence to support a hypothesis that a group of marine animals, commonly called comb jellies (Ctenophora) were the first to break away from all other animals, making it the oldest surviving animal lineage. UA’s Dr. Kevin M. Kocot, who is also curator of invertebrate zoology at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, is a co-author on the findings of a paper published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The work was led by Dr. Nathan Whelan as a post-doctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Ken Halanych, professor of biological sciences at Auburn University. Ctenophora is a group of invertebrates who swim with rows of cilia, often referred to as combs. Found worldwide, they are a crucial part of marine food chains. (Source: University of Alabama 11/16/17)