Figure 11. Hypothesis of character evolution for staurozoan genera.

ACCTRAN optimization of selected morphological and life-history features according to our molecular phylogenetic analyses. Synapomorphies and symplesiomorphies are based on Collins & Daly (2005). The presence of claustrum as a potential symplesiomorphy of Staurozoa (Collins & Daly, 2005) is equivocal, and the state in outgroups needs careful reconsideration based on detailed histological studies. If considered a symplesiomorphy of Staurozoa, claustrum was lost in Calvadosia, Haliclystus, and in the clade Lucernaria + Lipkea (most parsimonious reconstruction). Anchors are adhesive structures resulting from metamorphosis of eight primary tentacles (perradial and interradial). Coronal muscle divided into eight sections by the adradial arms or entire. The species with 4/1-chambered peduncle have four chambers basally and one chamber in the middle of the peduncle.