Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

30. Overview of Animals

Overview of Animals

General Biology

30. Overview of Animals

Overview of Animals

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3:54 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

The table below lists the common names of the nine animal phyla surveyed in this chapter. For each phylum, list the key characteristics and some representatives.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by identifying the key characteristics of each phylum listed in the table. For example, Sponges (Phylum Porifera) are characterized by their porous bodies, lack of true tissues, and filter-feeding mechanism. Representatives include sea sponges.

Step 2: For Cnidarians, note their radial symmetry, presence of stinging cells (cnidocytes), and a body plan that alternates between polyp and medusa forms. Representatives include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.

Step 3: Flatworms (Phylum Platyhelminthes) are characterized by bilateral symmetry, a lack of a body cavity (acoelomates), and a simple digestive system. Representatives include planarians, tapeworms, and flukes.

Step 4: Nematodes (Phylum Nematoda) are roundworms with a complete digestive system, a pseudocoelom, and a tough outer cuticle. Representatives include C. elegans and parasitic roundworms.

Step 5: Continue filling out the table for the remaining phyla (Molluscs, Annelids, Arthropods, Echinoderms, and Chordates) by researching their defining characteristics (e.g., body structure, symmetry, presence of specific organs) and listing common examples (e.g., snails for Molluscs, earthworms for Annelids, insects for Arthropods, sea stars for Echinoderms, and mammals for Chordates).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Animal Phyla

Animal phyla represent the major taxonomic groups in the animal kingdom, each characterized by distinct structural and functional traits. Understanding these phyla is essential for classifying animals based on their evolutionary relationships and biological characteristics, such as body symmetry, tissue organization, and developmental patterns.

Key Characteristics

Key characteristics of each phylum include specific anatomical features, reproductive strategies, and ecological roles. For example, sponges are characterized by their porous bodies and lack of true tissues, while arthropods possess an exoskeleton and jointed appendages. Recognizing these traits helps in identifying and differentiating between the various animal groups.

Representatives

Representatives of each phylum are specific organisms that exemplify the characteristics of that group. For instance, jellyfish are representatives of Cnidarians, while humans belong to the Chordates. Identifying these representatives aids in understanding the diversity within each phylum and the ecological niches they occupy.