Phyla terms for quiz

Sessile

A fixed organism that does not move from place to place, like a sponge.

Medusa

The bell-shaped, free-swimming form of cnidarians (e.g., jellyfish).

Polyp

The vase-shaped, sessile form of cnidarians (e.g., coral, sea anemone).

Cnidarian Tentacles

Used for capturing prey and defense, equipped with stinging cells.

Radial Symmetry

Symmetry around a central axis, like in jellyfish or sea stars.

Bilateral Symmetry

Body can be divided into mirror-image halves, like in worms or humans.

Cephalization

Concentration of sensory organs and brain in the head region.

Gastrovascular Cavity

A central digestive cavity with only one opening.

Alimentary Canal

A digestive tract with two openings: mouth and anus.

Muscular Foot

A body part used by mollusks for movement.

Visceral Mass

The area in mollusks that contains organs.

Mantle

Tissue that secretes the shell in mollusks.

Open Circulatory System

Blood is not always contained within vessels.

Closed Circulatory System

Blood circulates entirely within blood vessels.

Nephridia

Excretory organs in annelids that remove waste.

Trichinosis

Disease caused by Trichinella spiralis from undercooked meat.

Water Vascular System

A network of water-filled canals in echinoderms used for movement.

Exoskeleton

A hard outer structure made of chitin for support and protection in arthropods.

Metamorphosis

A biological process of development; arthropods go through complete or incomplete metamorphosis.

Book Lungs

Gas exchange organs in arachnids.

Spiracles

Openings for air entry used in the respiratory system of insects.

Dorsal Hollow Nerve Cord

A nerve cord found in chordates, runs along the back.

Notochord

A flexible rod supporting the body in chordates.

Pharyngeal Gill Slits

Openings near the throat that may develop into gills or other structures.

Post-Anal Tail

A tail that extends beyond the anus, found in chordates.

Amniotic Egg

Egg with protective membranes and a shell, adapted for land reproduction.

Ectothermic

Body temperature depends on the environment.

Endothermic

Capable of regulating internal body temperature.

Hair

Insulating body covering in mammals.

Mammary Glands

Organs in mammals that produce milk to nourish young.

Monotremes

Egg-laying mammals like the platypus.

Marsupials

Mammals that carry and nurse their young in a pouch, like kangaroos.

Placental Mammals

Mammals that develop inside the mother's body with a placenta.

Agnatha

Jawless fish like lampreys.

Chondrichthyes

Cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays.

Osteichthyes

Bony fish like salmon and goldfish.

Lateral Line

Sensory system in fish that detects water movement.

Swim Bladder

A gas-filled organ in bony fish that controls buoyancy.

Feathers

Specialized body covering in birds for insulation and flight.

Hollow Bones

Lightweight bones that help reduce body weight for flight.