BSC 2011: Biological Diversity - Ecdysozoa & Deuterostomia

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the Ecdysozoa and Deuterostomia sections of the Biological Diversity course (BSC 2011).

Ecdysozoa

Animals that molt their exoskeletons.

Ecdysis

The process of molting or shedding the cuticle.

Nematoda

Phylum containing roundworms, known for having a pseudocoelom.

Pseudocoelom

A body cavity that is not completely lined by mesoderm.

Cuticle

A tough outer covering that provides support and protection for ecdysozoans.

Metamerism

Segmentation of the body into repeated sections.

Echinodermata

Phylum that includes sea stars and sea cucumbers, characterized by secondary radial symmetry.

Chordata

Phylum that includes animals with a notochord, including vertebrates.

Deuterostomia

Group of animals where the blastopore develops into the anus.

Radial symmetry

Body plan in which body parts are arranged around a central axis.

Annelida

Phylum of segmented worms, including earthworms and leeches.

Mollusca

Phylum that includes snails, clams, and octopuses.

Lophotrochozoa

A clade that contains animals such as mollusks and annelids.

Hydrostatic skeleton

A fluid-filled cavity that provides support for soft-bodied animals.

Metamorphosis

A developmental change in form that occurs in some animals.

Bilateral symmetry

A body plan in which the left and right sides are mirror images.

Hemolymph

The fluid that functions similarly to blood in invertebrates with an open circulatory system.

Tagmata

Fused body segments found in arthropods.

Cephalization

The concentration of sensory organs and nerve cells at the front of the body.

Exoskeleton

A rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrates.

Cryptobiosis

A state of suspended animation that allows some organisms to survive extreme conditions.

Evolutive trend

The progression of evolutionary changes that lead to diversification.

Pedipalps

Appendages found in arachnids that are often used for sensory or reproductive functions.

Antennae

Sensory appendages found in crustaceans and insects.

Chitin

A long-chain polymer that is a primary component of exoskeletons in arthropods.

Respiratory trees

Structures used for gas exchange in some echinoderms.

Madreporite

An entry point for seawater into the water vascular system of echinoderms.

Tube feet

Extensions of the water vascular system used for locomotion in echinoderms.

Lysozyme

An enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls, found in echinoderm's digestive secretions.

Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies that serve as a primitive brain in some invertebrates.

Aristotle's lantern

The complex feeding structure in sea urchins.

Oligochaeta

Class of annelids that includes earthworms.

Polychaeta

Class of annelids that includes marine worms with parapodia.

Circulatory system

The system responsible for transporting nutrients and gases through an animal's body.

Eversible stomach

A stomach that can be turned inside out, as seen in some echinoderms.

Epidermis

The outer layer of cells covering the body of some animals.

Siphon

An organ used by some animals for drawing water in and expelling it.

Open circulatory system

A system where blood is not fully contained within vessels.

Cephalochordata

Subphylum of chordates that includes lancelets.

Urochordata

Subphylum of chordates that includes tunicates.

Phylum Tardigrada

A phylum of water bears, known for their resilience to extreme conditions.

Asteroidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea stars.

Holothuroidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea cucumbers.

Ophiuroidea

Class of echinoderms that includes brittle stars.

Echinoidea

Class of echinoderms that includes sea urchins and sand dollars.

Crinoidea

Class of echinoderms that includes feather stars and sea lilies.