Animal Phylogeny and Echinodermata

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from animal phylogeny and the characteristics of Echinodermata.

Deuterostomes

A group of animals in which the mouth does not form from the blastopore; includes echinoderms and chordates.

Echinodermata

Phylum of marine animals characterized by a spiny skin, a water vascular system, and bilaterally symmetrical larvae.

Asteroidea

Class within Echinodermata that includes sea stars.

Ophiuroidea

Class within Echinodermata that includes brittle stars.

Echinoidea

Class within Echinodermata that includes sea urchins and sand dollars.

Crinoidea

Class within Echinodermata that includes sea lilies and feather stars.

Holothuroidea

Class within Echinodermata that includes sea cucumbers.

Bipinnaria

Type of larva found in sea stars that is bilaterally symmetrical.

Water Vascular System

A system of fluid-filled canals in echinoderms that functions in locomotion and feeding.

Tube Feet

Extensions of the water vascular system in echinoderms used for movement, feeding, and respiration.

Notochord

A flexible rod that supports the body in all embryonic and some adult chordates.

Dorsal Hollow Nerve Chord

A characteristic of chordates that develops into the central nervous system.

Pharyngeal Gill Slits

Structures found in chordate embryos that develop into gills or other structures.

Post-anal Tail

A tail that extends beyond the anus, characteristic of chordate animals.

Cephalochordata

Subphylum of chordates that includes lancelets.

Urochordata

Subphylum of chordates that includes tunicates.

Vertebrata

Subphylum of chordates that includes animals with backbones.

Regeneration

The ability of some echinoderms, like sea stars, to regrow lost arms.

Symmetry

The balanced distribution of duplicate body parts or shapes.

Radial Symmetry

Symmetry around a central axis, typical in adult echinoderms.

Bilateral Symmetry

Symmetry where the body is divided into two equal halves, typical in larvae of echinoderms.