Metazoan phylogeny as a tool in evolutionary biology: Current problems and discrepancies in application

An ever increasing number of comparative studies try to shed light on various aspects of animal evolution. Particularly studies in comparative ultrastructure and evolutionary developmental biology propose remarkable hypotheses about the history of animal life. These studies must logically depend on an accurate and comprehensive knowledge of recent developments in phylogenetic methodology and hypotheses. Unfortunately, this requirement is often not met. I discuss some important recent investigations from various fields in order to illustrate the many pitfalls involved, and emphasize the necessity for sound insight into current phylogenetics as an essential prerequisite to studies of animal evolution.