Deuterostomes and Their Characteristics

These flashcards cover the vocabulary and important characteristics related to deuterostomes and chordates.

Deuterostomes

A group of animals that develop an internal skeleton and exhibit pentaradial symmetry.

Echinodermata

A phylum of exclusively marine organisms characterized by an endoskeleton made of calcium carbonate ossicles and a water vascular system.

Endoskeleton

An internal skeleton found in deuterostomes, particularly in Echinoderms, composed of calcium carbonate.

Pentaradial symmetry

A type of symmetry in which body parts are arranged around a central axis in five segments, typical of adult echinoderms.

Madreporite

A sieve plate that is part of the water vascular system in echinoderms, regulating water flow.

Tube feet

Extensible, fluid-filled structures in echinoderms involved in locomotion and feeding.

Asteroidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea stars and sea daisies, characterized by having five or multiple arms.

Ophiuroidea

Class of echinoderms that includes basket stars and brittle stars, known for their long, thin arms.

Echinoidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea urchins and sand dollars, characterized by a lack of arms and protective spines.

Holothuroidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea cucumbers, which have a cylindrical shape and reduced tube feet.

Crinoidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea lilies, known for their stalked bodies and feather-like arms.

Chordates

A phylum of animals that have a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a postanal tail at some stage of development.

Urochordata

Subphylum of chordates that includes tunicates and salps, which have a tunic and free-swimming larval stage.

Cephalochordata

Subphylum of chordates that includes lancelets, which retain their notochord throughout life.

Vertebrata

Subphylum of chordates characterized by the presence of a vertebral column and a well-defined head.

Neural crest

A unique group of embryonic cells in vertebrates that develops into various structures including sensory organs.

Pharyngeal slits

Embryonic structures present in all chordates at some stage, which can develop into various structures in vertebrates.

Postanal tail

A tail that extends beyond the anus, present in chordate larvae and some adult forms.