Invertebrate Diversity and Protostomes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to invertebrate diversity, protostomes, their unique features, and adaptations for survival.

Protostomes

The group of animals distinguished by the mouth forming from the initial embryonic pore.

Deuterostomes

Animals in which the anus forms from the initial embryonic pore.

Lophotrochozoans

A clade of protostomes that includes flatworms, annelids, and mollusks, characterized by specific morphological traits.

Ecdysozoans

A clade of protostomes that includes arthropods and nematodes, known for molting their exoskeleton.

Annelids

Segmented worms characterized by their closed circulatory system and body segmentation.

Nematodes

Roundworms that have bilateral symmetry, a complete digestive tract, and a protective cuticle.

Arthropods

The most diverse animal phylum, with jointed appendages and an exoskeleton, including insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.

Complete metamorphosis

A type of metamorphosis with distinct larval and adult stages, including a pupa stage.

Incomplete metamorphosis

A type of metamorphosis where the larva resembles the adult and develops through molts without a pupa stage.

Radula

A rasping organ used by mollusks for feeding.

Closed circulatory system

A system where blood is contained within vessels.

Open circulatory system

A system where blood is pumped into body cavities and organs are bathed in blood.

Desiccation-resistant eggs

Eggs evolved to prevent drying out in terrestrial environments.

Visceral mass

The part of a mollusk's body containing most internal organs.

Mantle

A tissue in mollusks that secretes the shell.

Choanoflagellates

Single-celled and colonial organisms considered the closest relatives of animals.

Multicellular heterotrophs

Organisms that absorb nutrients from other living or dead organisms.

Homeotic genes

Master control genes that direct the development of anatomical structures in organisms.

Segmentation

The subdivision of the body into repeated sections or segments.

Pharyngeal slits

Embryonic structures that can develop into various structures in different animal groups.

Cnidarians

Animals with radial symmetry, such as jellyfish and corals.

Eumetazoa

Animals with true tissues and distinct body symmetry.

Bilateria

A major group of animals characterized by bilateral symmetry.

Mollusca

The phylum that includes mollusks, known for their diverse body plans.

Platyhelminthes

The phylum that includes flatworms.

Annelida

The phylum that includes segmented worms.

Arthropoda

The phylum that includes insects and other jointed-appendage animals.

Echinodermata

The phylum that includes animals like starfish and sea urchins.

Chordata

The phylum that includes all vertebrates and some invertebrates.

Adaptative radiation

The diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.

Siphoning mouthparts

Mouthparts adapted in some insects for sucking nectar or fluids.

Piercing mouthparts

Adaptations in insects for feeding on blood or plant sap.