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Multiple Choice
Which of the following animals lacks body symmetry?
A
Jellyfish (Phylum Cnidaria)
B
Earthworm (Phylum Annelida)
C
Sponge (Phylum Porifera)
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 an axis. Animals can have radial symmetry (symmetry around a central axis), bilateral symmetry (divided into two mirror-image halves), or no symmetry (asymmetrical).
Review the characteristics of each animal listed: Jellyfish (Phylum Cnidaria) exhibit radial symmetry, Earthworms (Phylum Annelida) exhibit bilateral symmetry, Starfish (Phylum Echinodermata) exhibit radial symmetry as adults, and Sponges (Phylum Porifera) are asymmetrical.
Focus on the sponge (Phylum Porifera): Sponges are simple organisms that lack tissues and organs. Their body structure is irregular, and they do not exhibit any form of symmetry.
Compare the sponge to the other animals: Unlike the jellyfish, earthworm, and starfish, which all exhibit some form of symmetry, sponges are unique in their asymmetry.
Conclude that the sponge (Phylum Porifera) is the correct answer because it lacks body symmetry, making it distinct from the other animals listed.