Which of the following statements is correct with respect to the evolutionary relationship between chordates and invertebrates?

a. chordates are most closely related to arthropods

b. chordates evolved from echinoderms

c. chordates are more closely related to echinoderms than to arthropods

d. chordates are most closely related to the tunicate type of echinoderms

The correct answer is: c. chordates are more closely related to echinoderms than to arthropods

The Closest nonchordate relatives to Chordates are Echinodermata. Hemichordates (such as acorn worms) and Echinodermata form the Ambulacraria which is the sister phylum of the Chordates.

Echinoderms and chordates are both deuterostomes, but the differences are that Echinoderm possess bilateral symmetry only as larvae, they have tube feet and their bodies are supported by calcite skeletons.

Echinoderms and chordates are found on the same clade.