Questions and Answers
What are echinoderms?
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What are Echinoidea?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Crinoidea refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What are Holothuroidea?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the oral surface?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the aboral surface?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an endoskeleton?
Signup and view all the answers
What does radial symmetry mean?
Signup and view all the answers
What is bilateral symmetry?
Signup and view all the answers
What is pentamorous radial symmetry?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the order of classification from broad to specific?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a vertebrate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an invertebrate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the water vascular system?
Signup and view all the answers
What are ampullae?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.