4. ANIMAL KINGDOM
The chapter discusses the classification of animals based on fundamental features such as levels of organization, symmetry, presence of coelom, segmentation, and notochord. It provides an overview of various phyla within the animal kingdom, detailing their distinct characteristics and organization. Additionally, it highlights the significance of these classification traits in understanding animal biology and evolution.
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What we have learnt
- Animal classification is based on key features like body organization, symmetry, and presence or absence of a coelom.
- Different phyla exhibit unique physiological and anatomical traits that enhance our understanding of biodiversity.
- Phylum Chordata is characterized by the presence of a notochord, affecting classification and evolutionary relationships.
Key Concepts
- -- Coelom
- A body cavity lined with mesoderm that is present in coelomate animals and plays a critical role in the classification of organisms.
- -- Symmetry
- The arrangement of body structures; organisms can be asymmetrical, radially symmetrical, or bilaterally symmetrical.
- -- Notochord
- A rod-like structure found in chordates, providing support during early development.
- -- Diploblastic and Triploblastic
- Refers to organisms with two (diploblastic) or three (triploblastic) germ layers during embryonic development.
- -- Metameric Segmentation
- The division of the body into repetitive segments, observed in certain animal phyla like Annelida.
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