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Sep 24
1. Radial symmetry: Echinoderms have a body plan that is typically arranged in a radial symmetry, meaning their body parts are arranged around a central axis.
2. Endoskeleton: Echinoderms have an internal skeleton made up of calcareous plates or ossicles, which provide support and protection for their soft bodies.
3. Water vascular system: Echinoderms have a unique hydraulic system called the water vascular system, which helps them move, feed, and respire. This system consists of a network of fluid-filled canals and tube feet that are used for locomotion and capturing prey.
4. Tube feet: Echinoderms have tube feet that extend from their body and are used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration. These tube feet are operated by the water vascular system and can be extended or retracted as needed.
5. Regeneration: Echinoderms have the ability to regenerate lost body parts, such as arms or tube feet. This allows them to recover from injuries or predation.
6. Pentaradial symmetry: While most echinoderms exhibit radial symmetry, they also have a five-part body plan known as pentaradial symmetry. This means that their body parts are arranged in multiples of five around a central axis.
7. Spiny skin: Echinoderms are characterized by their spiny skin, which is covered in small calcareous ossicles or spines. These spines provide protection from predators and help with locomotion.
8. Deuterostome development: Echinoderms are deuterostomes, which means that during embryonic development, the blastopore becomes the anus, and the mouth forms later. This is in contrast to protostomes, where the blastopore becomes the mouth.
2. Endoskeleton: Echinoderms have an internal skeleton made up of calcareous plates or ossicles, which provide support and protection for their soft bodies.
3. Water vascular system: Echinoderms have a unique hydraulic system called the water vascular system, which helps them move, feed, and respire. This system consists of a network of fluid-filled canals and tube feet that are used for locomotion and capturing prey.
4. Tube feet: Echinoderms have tube feet that extend from their body and are used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration. These tube feet are operated by the water vascular system and can be extended or retracted as needed.
5. Regeneration: Echinoderms have the ability to regenerate lost body parts, such as arms or tube feet. This allows them to recover from injuries or predation.
6. Pentaradial symmetry: While most echinoderms exhibit radial symmetry, they also have a five-part body plan known as pentaradial symmetry. This means that their body parts are arranged in multiples of five around a central axis.
7. Spiny skin: Echinoderms are characterized by their spiny skin, which is covered in small calcareous ossicles or spines. These spines provide protection from predators and help with locomotion.
8. Deuterostome development: Echinoderms are deuterostomes, which means that during embryonic development, the blastopore becomes the anus, and the mouth forms later. This is in contrast to protostomes, where the blastopore becomes the mouth.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 24
General Characteristics of Echinodermata
- Endoskeleton of Calcium Carbonate: Composed of ossicles (microscopic plates) arranged in a regular pattern.
- Radial Symmetry: Body is organized around a central axis, with parts arranged in spokes radiating outward from the center.
- Water Vascular System: A network of tube feet used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration.
- Tube Feet: Hollow projections with suction cups at the end, powered by hydraulic pressure.
- Spines and Pedicellariae: Protrusions on the body surface used for defense and handling food.
- Centrally Located Mouth: Located on the ventral side, surrounded by ambulacral plates.
- Anus: Located on the dorsal side or absent.
- Coelom: A spacious body cavity filled with fluid.
- Hemal System: A circulatory system consisting of blood vessels and sinuses.
Specific Features of Different Classes
- Asteroidea (Starfish): Five or more arms radiating from a central disc; tube feet on the oral side of the arms.
- Echinoidea (Sea Urchins): Spherical or ovoid body with spines; tube feet on the aboral surface.
- Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumbers): Elongated, cylindrical body; tube feet absent or reduced; move by peristalsis.
- Crinoidea (Sea Lilies and Feather Stars): Sessile or stalked body with feather-like arms; tube feet on the arms.
- Ophiuroidea (Brittle Stars): Five or more slender, flexible arms; tube feet absent from the dorsal surface.
- Endoskeleton of Calcium Carbonate: Composed of ossicles (microscopic plates) arranged in a regular pattern.
- Radial Symmetry: Body is organized around a central axis, with parts arranged in spokes radiating outward from the center.
- Water Vascular System: A network of tube feet used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration.
- Tube Feet: Hollow projections with suction cups at the end, powered by hydraulic pressure.
- Spines and Pedicellariae: Protrusions on the body surface used for defense and handling food.
- Centrally Located Mouth: Located on the ventral side, surrounded by ambulacral plates.
- Anus: Located on the dorsal side or absent.
- Coelom: A spacious body cavity filled with fluid.
- Hemal System: A circulatory system consisting of blood vessels and sinuses.
Specific Features of Different Classes
- Asteroidea (Starfish): Five or more arms radiating from a central disc; tube feet on the oral side of the arms.
- Echinoidea (Sea Urchins): Spherical or ovoid body with spines; tube feet on the aboral surface.
- Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumbers): Elongated, cylindrical body; tube feet absent or reduced; move by peristalsis.
- Crinoidea (Sea Lilies and Feather Stars): Sessile or stalked body with feather-like arms; tube feet on the arms.
- Ophiuroidea (Brittle Stars): Five or more slender, flexible arms; tube feet absent from the dorsal surface.
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