Echinoderms and Arthropods Review

Flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts regarding echinoderms and arthropods.

Echinodermata

A phylum of marine animals characterized by their spiny skin, radial symmetry, and a water vascular system.

Water Vascular System

An internal network of fluid-filled canals in echinoderms that aids in movement, respiration, feeding, and waste removal.

Tube Feet

Protrusions of the water vascular system used for movement and grasping objects.

Madreporite

A sieve-like structure on echinoderms that regulates water flow into the water vascular system.

Radial Symmetry

A body plan in which body parts are arranged around a central axis; characteristic of echinoderms.

Carnivore

An organism that primarily consumes other animals; many echinoderms like starfish feed on mollusks.

Detritus Feeder

An organism that feeds on decomposing organic matter; seen in sea cucumbers.

Chitin

A tough, flexible carbohydrate found in the exoskeletons of arthropods.

Dioecious

Having distinct male and female individual organisms; common in arthropods.

Metamorphosis

A biological process involving a series of developmental changes from larva to adult in insects.

What are Arthropods?

are invertebrates with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages.

Examples of Arthropods

Common examples include insects, arachnids (spiders), and crustaceans (crabs).

Habitat of Arthropods

can live in diverse environments, including land, freshwater, and marine habitats.

Body structure of Arthropods

They have a segmented body divided into three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen.

What do Arthropods eat?

exhibit varied diets; they can be herbivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous, or detritivorous.

Relevance of Arthropods

They play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and as a food source for other animals.

Unique feature of Mollusks

typically have a soft body, most of which is protected by a hard shell.

Examples of Mollusks

Examples include snails, clams, and octopuses.

Habitat of Mollusks

are found in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.

Diet of Mollusks

Most are herbivorous, eating algae, but some are carnivorous.

Relevance of Mollusks

They are vital to ecosystems and are sources of food for humans.

What are Echinoderms?

are marine invertebrates with a hard skeleton and a water vascular system.

Examples of Echinoderms

Examples include starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars.

Habitat of Echinoderms

exclusively inhabit marine environments.

Body structure of Echinoderms

They have a radial symmetry and tube feet used for movement and feeding.

What do Echinoderms eat?

Their diets include mollusks, algae, and plankton.

Relevance of Echinoderms

They maintain marine ecosystem balance and contribute to the carbon cycle.

What are Chordates?

are animals possessing a notochord at some stage of development.

Examples of Chordates

Examples include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Habitat of Chordates

inhabit diverse environments, from deep oceans to terrestrial landscapes.

Body structure of Chordates

They have a backbone or spinal column, and most have a complex nervous system.

What do Chordates eat?

can be herbivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous, or detritivorous.

Relevance of Chordates

include many species that are fundamental to food webs and human economies.

What are Chordates?

Chordates are animals that belong to the phylum Chordata, characterized by having a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some stage of development.

What is the significance of Phylum Chordata?

Phylum Chordata is significant as it includes many species that are vital to food webs and human economies.

What are the main subphyla of Chordata?

The main subphyla of Chordata include Vertebrata, Cephalochordata, and Urochordata.

What distinguishes Vertebrates from other Chordates?

Vertebrates are distinguished from other Chordates by having a backbone or vertebral column.

What are some examples of Vertebrates?

Examples of Vertebrates include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

What are Urochordates?

Urochordates, also known as tunicates, are a group of marine animals that are known for their sac-like bodies and are more closely related to vertebrates than invertebrates.

What are Cephalochordates?

Cephalochordates are small, fish-like animals that live in shallow marine waters and are characterized by having a notochord that extends the length of their body throughout life

What sensory organs are commonly found in Chordates?

These organisms commonly have complex sensory organs, including eyes, ears, and olfactory structures, that are adapted for various environments.

How does the nervous system differ in this group compared to other phyla?

A centralized nervous system is present, featuring a dorsal hollow nerve cord, which is a defining characteristic compared to many other animal phyla.

What role do pharyngeal slits play in these animals?

They serve multiple purposes, such as functioning in feeding and respiration, and may develop into different structures in various vertebrate lineages.

What is the significance of the notochord?

This structure provides support and is a precursor to the vertebral column in some species, allowing for advanced locomotion and other adaptations.

How do sensory adaptations vary among different classes?

Sensory adaptations can differ widely; for example, many aquatic species possess enhanced lateral lines for detecting vibrations, while terrestrial species may have more developed visual and olfactory systems.