Animal Phyla and Their Characteristics

Overview of Animal Phyla

• Animal Kingdom consists of multiple phyla, each exhibiting unique structure and function features.

Porifera

• Level of Organisation: Cellular.
• Symmetry: Various types.
• Coelom: Absent.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Absent.
• Circulatory System: Absent.
• Respiratory System: Absent.
• Distinctive Features: Body structure characterized by pores and canals.

Coelenterata (Cnidaria)

• Level of Organisation: Tissue.
• Symmetry: Radial.
• Coelom: Absent.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Incomplete.
• Circulatory System: Absent.
• Respiratory System: Absent.
• Distinctive Features: Presence of cnidoblasts for stinging.

Ctenophora

• Level of Organisation: Tissue.
• Symmetry: Radial.
• Coelom: Absent.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Incomplete.
• Circulatory System: Absent.
• Respiratory System: Absent.
• Distinctive Features: Possess comb plates for locomotion.

Platyhelminthes

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Absent.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Incomplete.
• Circulatory System: Absent.
• Respiratory System: Absent.
• Distinctive Features: Often elongated, worm-like body shape.

Aschelminthes

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Pseudocoelomate.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Absent.
• Respiratory System: Absent.
• Distinctive Features: Body features segments.

Annelida

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Coelomate.
• Segmentation: Present.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Present.
• Respiratory System: Absent.
• Distinctive Features: Clearly segmented body resembling rings.

Arthropoda

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Coelomate.
• Segmentation: Present.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Present.
• Respiratory System: Present.
• Distinctive Features: Exoskeleton made of cuticle and jointed appendages for mobility.

Mollusca

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Coelomate.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Present.
• Respiratory System: Present.
• Distinctive Features: Often have an external skeletal shell.

Echinodermata

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Radial.
• Coelom: Coelomate.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Present.
• Respiratory System: Present.
• Distinctive Features: Possess a water vascular system and exhibit radial symmetry.

Hemichordata

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Coelomate.
• Segmentation: Absent.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Present.
• Respiratory System: Present.
• Distinctive Features: Worm-like body with a proboscis, collar, and trunk structure.

Chordata

• Level of Organisation: Organ-system.
• Symmetry: Bilateral.
• Coelom: Coelomate.
• Segmentation: Present.
• Digestive System: Complete.
• Circulatory System: Present.
• Respiratory System: Present.
• Distinctive Features: Presence of notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, and gill slits, which may develop into limbs or fins.

This quiz explores various phyla in the animal kingdom, focusing on their unique characteristics such as water vascular systems, digestive systems, jointed appendages, and body organization. Test your knowledge on the distinctive features that define these phyla and enhance your understanding of biological classification.