Animals are generally considered to have evolved from a flagellated eukaryote. Their closest known living relatives are the choanoflagellates, collared flagellates that have a morphology similar to the choanocytes of certain sponges. Molecular studies place animals in a supergroup called the opisthokonts, which also include the choanoflagellates, fungi and a few small parasitic protists. The name comes from the posterior location of the flagellum in motile cells, such as most animal spermatozoa, whereas other eukaryotes tend to have anterior flagella. COUNT 5
QSN1 It is believed that animals evolved from what? ANS1 a flagellated eukaryote QSN2 What are the closest known living relatives of animals? ANS2 choanoflagellates QSN3 What is the name of the supergroup that animals have been placed in by molecular studies? ANS3 opisthokonts QSN4 The opisthokonts also include what other organisms? ANS4 choanoflagellates, fungi and a few small parasitic protists QSN5 Where does the name opisthokonts come from? ANS5 the posterior location of the flagellum in motile cells