Connecting link between annelida and mollusca is

Options

A. Cuttle fish
B. Octopus
C. Neopilina
D. Nautilus

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the connecting link between the phyla Annelida (segmented worms) and Mollusca (mollusks).

2. **Identifying Options**: The options provided include Cuttlefish, Octopus, and Neopilina. We need to determine which of these organisms exhibits characteristics of both Annelida and Mollusca.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Cuttlefish** and **Octopus**: Both belong to the phylum Mollusca and exhibit typical molluscan features. They do not show characteristics of Annelida.
- **Neopilina**: This organism is known to exhibit features of both Annelida and Mollusca.

4. **Characteristics of Neopilina**:
- **From Annelida**:
- **Metameric Segmentation**: Neopilina shows segmentation similar to that of annelids.
- **Presence of Nephridia**: Neopilina possesses nephridia, which are excretory organs found in annelids.
- **Trochophore Larva**: Neopilina has a larval stage called trochophore, which is characteristic of annelids.
- **From Mollusca**:
- **Radula**: Neopilina has a radula, a unique feeding structure found in mollusks.
- **Shell**: It possesses a shell, which is a common feature of mollusks.
- **Mantle**: Neopilina has a mantle, another characteristic of mollusks.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, Neopilina is the organism that serves as the connecting link between Annelida and Mollusca due to its combination of characteristics from both phyla.

**Final Answer**: Neopilina is the connecting link between Annelida and Mollusca.

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