Phylum Porifera (Sponges)
- Sessile, aquatic, and filter-feeding.
- Bodies have a porous structure with water channels.
- Lack true tissues, organs, or symmetry.
- Examples: Bath sponges, glass sponges.
Phylum Cnidaria (Jellyfish, Corals)
- Aquatic, radially symmetrical animals.
- Possess stinging cells (nematocysts) for defense and prey capture.
- Two body forms: medusae (jellyfish) and polyps (corals).
- Examples: Jellyfish, sea anemones, corals.
Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)
- Free-living or parasitic animals with flat, ribbon-like bodies.
- Lack body cavities.
- Three classes: Turbellaria (free-living), Trematoda (flukes), and Cestoda (tapeworms).
- Examples: Planarians, liver flukes, tapeworms.
Phylum Nematoda (Roundworms)
- Slender, unsegmented, cylindrical worms.
- Free-living or parasitic.
- Possess a body cavity (pseudocoelom).
- Examples: Ascaris (intestinal roundworm), Hookworms.
Phylum Rotifera (Rotifers)
- Microscopic, aquatic animals with a distinctive "wheel organ" (corona).
- Free-living or parasitic.
- Possess a gastrovascular cavity and a simple nervous system.
- Examples: Brachionus, Philodina.
Phylum Gastrotricha (Gastrotrichs)
- Microscopic, aquatic animals with a worm-like body.
- Possess a gastrovascular cavity and a ventral adhesive disc.
- Free-living, often found in freshwater sediments.
- Examples: Stylochus, Chaetonotus.
Phylum Kinorhyncha (Kinorhynchs)
- Microscopic, marine animals with a segmented body.
- Possess a retractable proboscis and a complex cephalic lobe.
- Free-living, found in marine sediments.
- Examples: Echinoderes, Cateria.