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Multiple Choice
Which of the following animals lacks body symmetry?
A
Jellyfish (Phylum Cnidaria)
B
Sponge (Phylum Porifera)
C
Earthworm (Phylum Annelida)
D
Starfish (Phylum Echinodermata)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of body symmetry: Body symmetry refers to the arrangement of body structures in relation to a central axis. Animals can exhibit radial symmetry, bilateral symmetry, or lack symmetry altogether (asymmetry).
Review the characteristics of each animal listed: Jellyfish (Phylum Cnidaria) exhibit radial symmetry, Earthworms (Phylum Annelida) exhibit bilateral symmetry, and Starfish (Phylum Echinodermata) exhibit radial symmetry as adults.
Focus on the Sponge (Phylum Porifera): Sponges are unique in that they lack true tissues and organs, and their body structure does not exhibit any form of symmetry, making them asymmetrical.
Compare the sponge to the other animals: While the other animals listed have some form of symmetry (radial or bilateral), sponges are the only ones that lack body symmetry entirely.
Conclude that the sponge (Phylum Porifera) is the correct answer because it is the only animal in the list that lacks body symmetry, distinguishing it from the others.