Echinoderms Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are echinoderms?

Terrestrial invertebrates

Invertebrate marine animals with a spiny covering (correct)

Vertebrate marine animals with scales

Freshwater animals

What are the five classes of the phylum Echinodermata?

Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea, Crinoidea, Holothuroidea

What does Asteroidea refer to?

Sea stars

What are Ophiuroidea known as?

Brittle stars Signup and view all the answers

What are Echinoidea?

Sea urchins and sand dollars Signup and view all the answers

What does Crinoidea refer to?

Sea lilies and feather stars Signup and view all the answers

What are Holothuroidea?

Sea cucumbers Signup and view all the answers

What is the oral surface?

The side of the body where the mouth is located Signup and view all the answers

What is the aboral surface?

Side of starfish away from the mouth; top surface Signup and view all the answers

What is an endoskeleton?

Internal skeleton or supporting framework in an animal Signup and view all the answers

What does radial symmetry mean?

Symmetry about a central axis Signup and view all the answers

What is bilateral symmetry?

Arrangement of body parts so there are distinct left and right halves that mirror each other Signup and view all the answers

What is pentamorous radial symmetry?

Their body can be divided into 5 equal parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the order of classification from broad to specific?

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species Signup and view all the answers

What is a vertebrate?

An animal that has a backbone Signup and view all the answers

What is an invertebrate?

An animal that does not have a backbone Signup and view all the answers

What is the water vascular system?

A network of hydraulic canals unique to echinoderms that branches into extensions called tube feet Signup and view all the answers

What are ampullae?

Bulbs on the tops of the tube feet that control the amount of water entering and leaving the tube feet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Echinoderms Overview

Echinoderms are invertebrate marine animals within the phylum Echinodermata, characterized by hard, spiny coverings or skin.

Classification of Echinoderms

The five major classes of echinoderms:
- Asteroidea: commonly known as sea stars.
- Ophiuroidea: known as brittle stars.
- Echinoidea: encompasses sea urchins and sand dollars.
- Crinoidea: includes sea lilies and feather stars.
- Holothuroidea: referred to as sea cucumbers.

Key Anatomical Features

Oral Surface: side of the echinoderm where the mouth is located.
Aboral Surface: opposite side from the mouth; referred to as the top surface in starfish.
Endoskeleton: the internal skeleton or supporting framework of the animal.

Symmetry Types in Echinoderms

Radial Symmetry: symmetry around a central axis, allowing for even distribution of body parts.
Bilateral Symmetry: body arrangement with distinct left and right halves.
Pentamorous Radial Symmetry: specific to echinoderms, their body can be divided into five equal parts.

Biological Classification

Classification structure progresses from broad categories to specific:
- Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Echinoderms vs. Other Animals

Vertebrates: animals with backbones.
Invertebrates: animals lacking backbones, like echinoderms.

Unique Systems in Echinoderms

Water Vascular System: a unique hydraulic network that includes tube feet, facilitating locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange.
Ampullae: bulbous structures atop tube feet regulating water flow for movement.

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Description

Test your knowledge on echinoderms with this set of flashcards. Learn about the defining characteristics of this phylum and its five classes. Perfect for marine biology students or enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of these fascinating creatures.