Invertebrate Chart Flashcards

Study Notes

Invertebrate Phyla Overview

Porifera: Commonly known as sponges; characterized by no symmetry, lack of true tissues or organs, and filter feeding methods.
Cnidaria: Includes organisms like jellyfish, corals, and anemones; known for radial symmetry and tentacles with stinging appendages for feeding.
Nematoda: Also referred to as roundworms; includes hookworms and pinworms, exhibiting a simple body plan.
Annelida: Segmented worms such as earthworms and leeches; used medically for wound healing and classified by the number of segments and appendages.
Platyhelminthes: Known as flatworms; includes flukes and tapeworms, recognized for their flattened body shapes.
Arthropoda: This diverse group includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans; characterized by an exoskeleton that requires molting for growth and segmented bodies.
Molluska: Includes organisms like squids, snails, clams, and octopuses; many possess hard shells, large well-developed eyes, and utilize jet propulsion for movement.

Additional Characteristics

Stationary Adult Forms: Porifera adults remain fixed in place throughout their lives.
Medical Benefits: Annelids, such as leeches, can aid in the healing of wounds.
Hard Shells and Jet Propulsion: Mollusks often have hard protective shells, and both mollusks and cnidarians exhibit jet propulsion via muscular contractions.
Ecosystem Contributions: Arthropods play key roles in pest control and provide various benefits to human societies.

Symmetry and Body Structure

Asymmetry: Demonstrated by Porifera, which lack symmetrical body plans.
Radial Symmetry: Seen in both Cnidaria and Echinodermata, allowing for uniform interaction with the environment from all sides.
Segmented Structures: Annelida and Arthropoda are classified based on their segmentation and the number of appendages.

Notable Species

Echinodermata: Examples include sand dollars, sea stars, and sea urchins, showcasing unique body structures and adaptations.
Global Diversity: Arthropoda includes a wide range of species such as ants, butterflies, and grasshoppers, demonstrating vast ecological diversity.

Description

Test your knowledge of invertebrate phyla with these flashcards. Each card features a scientific term along with its common representation in nature. Perfect for biology students looking to enhance their understanding of animal classification.