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CH33Invertebrate Diversity and Classification

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  • Difference between invertebrates and vertebrates
    Invertebrates lack a backbone and make up 95% of animal species; vertebrates have a backbone.
  • Phylum Porifera characteristics

    Sponges lack true tissues, have choanocytes and are suspension filter feeders.

  • Function of cnidocytes in Cnidarians
    Specialized cells with nematocysts that eject stinging threads to capture prey and for defense.
  • Bilaterians key features
    Animals with bilateral symmetry, three tissue layers (triploblastic), and usually a coelom.
  • Phylum Mollusca body plan
    Soft-bodied animals with a muscular foot, visceral mass, mantle, and often a calcium carbonate shell.
  • Phylum Annelida characteristics

    Segmented coelomates with fused rings; includes Errantia (mobile) and Sedentaria .

  • Ecdysozoa key traits

    Animals that molt a tough exoskeleton (cuticle) through ecdysis.

  • Phylum Arthropoda body plan
    Segmented body, hard exoskeleton made of chitin, jointed appendages, and an open circulatory system.
  • Phylum Echinodermata traits
    Marine animals with radial symmetry as adults, calcareous endoskeleton, and a water vascular system with tube feet.
  • Phylum Chordata key features
    Bilaterally symmetrical coelomates with a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and post-anal tail.