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Multiple Choice
Which of the following phyla is the most diverse and numerous of all animal phyla?
A
Arthropoda
B
Annelida
C
Chordata
D
Mollusca
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding what 'diverse and numerous' means in the context of animal phyla. Diversity refers to the variety of species within a phylum, while numerous refers to the sheer number of individuals within those species.
Consider the characteristics of each phylum listed: Arthropoda, Annelida, Chordata, and Mollusca. Research the number of species and individuals within each phylum to determine which is the most diverse and numerous.
Arthropoda is known for its vast diversity, including insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and more. It is the largest phylum in terms of species count, with millions of species identified.
Compare Arthropoda with the other phyla: Annelida (segmented worms), Chordata (vertebrates and some invertebrates), and Mollusca (snails, clams, squids). Note that while these phyla are diverse, they do not match the species count of Arthropoda.
Conclude that Arthropoda is the most diverse and numerous phylum due to its extensive range of species and the large number of individuals within those species.