What is convergent/homoplastic in Pogonophora?

Characters of Pogonophora, including Perviata (Frenulata and Scleronlinida) and Vestimentifera, are critically analysed and the characters reevaluated with respect to their reliability in determining relationships with Anneli da-Polychaeta in general and with Oweniidae in particular, as well as with Oligomera. In addition to several differentiations which possibly express p arallelisms, only a few characters reflect trustworthy information based on the current state of knowledge. These, however, still include 'sets' of bo th Annelida-Polychaeta features and Oligomera features; despite the more re cent trend to regard the Pogonophora as annelids, no unequivocal preference can be given as to which of these 'sets' is convergent/homoplastic. The in tra-epithelial nervous system without true cerebral ganglia, typical of Epi neuralia as well as Pogonophora and Oweniidae, is here considered to repres ent the paedomorphic peripheral-epidermal larval system of Gastroneuralia i n contrast to the ganglionated gastroneural adult system.