Animal Kingdom: Exploring Phylum Characteristics
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Animal Kingdom: Exploring Phylum Characteristics
Animals are one of the most diverse phyla on the planet, with over 2 million species. This includes everything from tiny microscopic organisms to the largest land-dwelling creatures. To help explain the complexity of this group, scientists have grouped similar species together taxonomically into “phyla.” While no two phyla are alike, they all share some basic characteristics and can be determined using a variety of methods.
What is a Phylum?
A phylum (plural phyla) is the broadest taxonomic classification in the kingdom Animalia. Phyla are divided into classes and classes into orders, families, genera, and species. While phyla typically share similar characteristics, they are clearly distinct from one another and have distinct evolutionary histories.
Characteristics of the Major Animal Phyla
There are over 35 different phyla in the Animal kingdom, but the following are some of the main phyla that most people are familiar with:
Chordata
Chordates are animals that have a notochord at some point in their life cycle, which is a stiff rod that provides support and flexibility to the body. They also have a dorsal nerve cord and a muscular system. Examples of chordates include vertebrates (animals with a backbone) such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Arthropoda
Arthropods have segmented bodies that are covered with hard exoskeletons. Examples of arthropods include insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.
Echinodermata
Echinoderms are mostly marine creatures that have spiny skin and radial symmetry (रेखाक्रम समस्या). Examples of echinoderms include sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars.
Mollusca
Mollusks are soft-bodied animals that have a hard external shell. Examples of mollusks include snails, oysters, squid, and octopuses.
Annelida
Annelids are segmented worms with a tough outer covering. Examples of annelids include earthworms, leeches, and ragworms.
Porifera
Poriferans are sponges that lack any true body cavities and symmetry (बराबरी). They have a porous body and cells with specialized functions. Examples of poriferans include glass sponges and demosponges.
Cnidaria
Cnidarians are most notable for their stinging tentacles. Examples of cnidarians include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.
Nematoda
Nematodes are roundworms that have a simple digestive tract and usually no body cavity. Examples of nematodes include pinworms and hookworms.
Conclusion
The phyla of the Animal Kingdom offer a great deal of diversity and complexity. Each one is distinct in its own way, but they all share some basic characteristics that make them recognizable and easily identified. With further research, we can begin to see the unique beauty in each of these amazing phyla.
References:
1. Fox, S. (2017). Animal kingdom: Exploring phylum characteristics.
2. University of California Museum of Paleontology. (n.d.). Animal diversity: Phyla.
