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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about animal body plans is correct?
A
All animals have a segmented body plan.
B
Animal body plans are identical across all phyla.
C
Only vertebrates possess a defined body plan.
D
Most animals exhibit either radial or bilateral symmetry in their body plans.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of animal body plans: Animal body plans refer to the structural and functional organization of an organism, including aspects like symmetry, segmentation, and the arrangement of tissues and organs.
Review the types of symmetry in animals: Most animals exhibit either radial symmetry (body parts arranged around a central axis, e.g., jellyfish) or bilateral symmetry (a single plane divides the body into left and right halves, e.g., humans).
Eliminate incorrect statements: Not all animals have segmented body plans (e.g., sponges lack segmentation), and body plans are not identical across all phyla (e.g., arthropods and mollusks have distinct body plans). Additionally, body plans are not exclusive to vertebrates; invertebrates also have defined body plans.
Focus on the correct statement: The statement 'Most animals exhibit either radial or bilateral symmetry in their body plans' is accurate because these two types of symmetry are the most common among animals.
Conclude by emphasizing the importance of symmetry in understanding animal body plans: Symmetry is a key feature that helps classify animals and understand their evolutionary relationships and functional adaptations.