Foundations of Evolution & Diversity - Protostomes

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary related to Protostomes, highlighting key terms and their definitions that are essential for understanding the diversity and evolutionary features of these animal lineages.

Protostomes

The largest, most diverse lineage of animals, divided into Lophotrochozoans and Ecdysozoans.

Bilateral Animals

Animals that exhibit bilateral symmetry and include both Protostomes and Deuterostomes.

Lophotrochozoans

A group within Protostomes that includes Rotifera, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, and Mollusca.

Ecdysozoans

A group within Protostomes that includes Nematoda, Tardigrada, Onychophora, and Insecta.

Triploblasty

The condition of having three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Cephalization

The development of a head with sensory organs and nerve cells concentrated at one end.

Coelom

A fluid-filled body cavity that allows organs to move independently of the body wall.

Schizocoely

The coelom forms by splitting blocks of mesoderm, a characteristic of protostomes.

Bilateral Symmetry

Body plan in which the left and right sides of an organism are mirror images.

Rotifers

Tiny protostomes characterized by a crown of cilia at the anterior end called a corona.

Platyhelminthes

Flatworms with characteristics such as bilateral symmetry and being acoelomate.

Annelida

Segmented worms that have bristles called chaetae and possess a coelom.

Mollusca

A diverse group of animals with varied body forms, including snails and octopuses.

Nematoda

Roundworms known for their cuticle, and can be found in diverse habitats.

Arthropoda

The largest lineage of animals, characterized by segmented bodies and jointed appendages.

Gas Exchange

The process by which organisms exchange gases, primarily through diffusion.

Excretion

The process of removing waste products from the body, with various mechanisms in different lineages.

Completing Metamorphosis

A type of insect development with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Acoelomate

An organism that lacks a coelom; i.e., flatworms.

Dioecious

Having distinct male and female individuals for reproduction.

Ecdysis

The process of molting, or shedding the outer layer of an organism, characteristic of Ecdysozoans.