ANIMAL KINGDOM

 Characters/comments written in italics are the distinguishing characters of the phyla.

PHYLUM- PORIFERA (Sponges):
i. Multicellular and immobile organisms with cellular level of organization. Tissues and organs are totally absent.
ii. Exclusively aquatic animals and are mostly marine. Freshwater species are also available.
iii. Body asymmetrical.
iv. Sponges bear a unique system called Canal system for entry and exit of surrounding water (along with food
materials) to and from the body.
v. Canal system is lined by special cells called Choanocytes that help in trapping food materials.
vi. Body contains specialized pores called Ostia (that lead into the canal system) for the entry of water. Water,
along with the waste products, exit the body through another pore (usually located towards the upper end)
called Osculum.
vii. Central gastrovascular cavity represented by Spongocoel (lined by choanocytes).
viii. Skeleton is made up of Spicules or Spongin fibers which are calcareous (made up of calcium carbonate).
ix. Digestion exclusively intracellular.
x. Sponges are Hermaphrodite and reproduce sexually as well as asexually (by fragmentation and budding).
Fertilization internal and development indirect (larval stages exist).
Examples: Sycon, Spongilla (freshwater species), Euspongia (bath sponge), etc.

PHYLUM – COELENTRATA or CNIDARIA (Jelly fishes, sea anemones, corals, hydra):

i. Exclusively aquatic; mostly marine. They may be sessile or free swimming. Symmetry mostly radial.
ii. Coelentrates are diploblastic and have tissue level of organization. But true organs are absent.
iii. Tentacles contain specialized stinging cells called Cnidocytes or cnidoblasts that are used for protection,
capturing preys and for anchorage
iv. True digestive system is absent. Central gastrovascular cavity is represented by Hypostome (mouth) that serves
both the purpose of ingestion of food and egestion of waste products. Digestion intracellular or extracellular.
v. Corals have an exoskeleton made up of calcium carbonate. Large colonies contribute to the formation of coral
reefs.
vi. Some species (especially members of order Hydrozoa) exhibit ‘Alternation of generation’, i.e., they have two
morphologically distinct forms as follows:-
a. Polyp: Sessile or immobile and cylindrical in appearance. They reproduce asexually and form
medusae.
b. Medusa: Free swimming and umbrella shaped. They reproduce sexually and produce polyps.
Examples: Hydra, Physalia (Portuguese man of war), Adamsia (sea anemone), Gorgonia (sea fan), Meandrina
(a coral).

PHYLUM – CTENOPHORA (Sea walnuts or comb jellies):

i. Exclusively marine, free swimming and radially symmetrical animals.
ii. Diploblastic animals with tissue level of organization. Truly developed organs or organ systems are absent.
iii. Bear eight rows of ciliated comb plates (thus called comb jellies) that help in locomotion.
iv. Special cells called Colloblasts are present for adhesion to substratum and capturing preys.
v. Sea walnuts exhibit the property of Bioluminescence, the property of emitting light.
vi. Digestion extracellular as well as intracellular.
vii. Hermaphrodite and mode of reproduction is exclusively sexual.
viii. Fertilization external and development indirect. No alternation of generation is observed.
Examples: Pleurobrachia, Ctenoplana, etc.

PHYLUM – PLATYHELMINTHES (Flat worms):

i. Body dorsoventrally flattened, thus called flat worms.
ii. They are mostly endoparasites (with exception of Planaria) and adapted to parasitic modes of lives.
iii. First triploblastic group of animals with bilateral symmetry. Body acoelomate.
iv. First animal phylum to exhibit organ level of organization.
v. Flame cells are present as excretory organs.
vi. Hermaphrodite, fertilization internal and development through many larval stages. Some members sow high
regeneration capacity.
Examples: Planaria, Taenia (Common tape worm), Fasciola hepatica (Liver fluke), etc.

Parasitic adaptations of Platyhelminthes:

a. Hooks and suckers are present for attachment to the hosts’ body.
b. Ability to absorb nutrients directly from the host through body surfaces. Thus, alimentary canal poorly
developed.
c. Skin modified, thick and resistant enough to protect themselves from hosts’ digestive enzymes. Some
members secrete antienzymes to counteract it.
d. No locomotory organs are present (as they are not required).
e. Respiration anaerobic (as almost no oxygen is available for them to respire).
f. No sense organs are found (as they are not required).
g. Reproductive system profusely developed.
PHYLUM – NEMATHELMINTHES or ASCHELMINTHES (Round worms):
i. Body circular in cross section and hence called round worms. Symmetry bilateral.
ii. Round worms are free living, aquatic as well as terrestrial. Some are parasitic (Ascaris).
iii. Nematodes are the first group to develop true organ systems, thus exhibit organ system level of body
organization.
iv. Triploblastic but pseudocoelomate (true coelom with mesodermal lining is absent).
v. First animal phylum to have complete alimentary canal with mouth and anus. Pharynx is muscular.
vi. Epidermis syncytial (multinucleate).
vii. Sexes separate; show sexual dimorphism. Fertilization internal; development direct or indirect.
Examples: Ascaris (common roundworm), Wuchereria (causes elephantiasis), Anchylostoma.

PHYLUM – ANNELIDA (Earthworms, leeches, Nereis):

i. They are aquatic (marine/freshwater) or terrestrial. Most members are free living; some are parasitic.
ii. Bilaterally symmetrical with organ system level of organization.
iii. First metamerically segmented group with true coelom.
iv. Setae are the locomotory structures that are segmentally arranged. Nereis have Parapodia for locomotion.
v. Nephridia are the main excretory organs that are arranged segmentally. Excretion ammonotelic.
vi. Only invertebrate phyla to have closed circulatory system. Respiratory pigment dissolved in body fluid.
vii. Earthworms and leeches are hermaphrodite (bisexual), whereas Nereis is unisexual. Reproduction sexual.
Examples: Nereis (marine), Pheretima (Earthworm), Hirudinaria (leech), etc.

PHYLUM – ARTHROPODA (Insects, spiders, crabs, prawns, etc.):

i. Largest phylum. Animals are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic, segmented and have well developed organ
systems.
ii. Members bear joint appendages.
iii. Most of them bear tough exoskeleton made up of chitin.
iv. Body divisible into head, thorax and abdomen.
v. Respiratory organs include specialized gills, book gills, book lungs and tracheal systems.
vi. Sensory organs include antennae, eyes (simple and compound), statocyst (a specialized balancing organ), etc.
are present.
vii. Malpighian tubules (in insects) and Antennal glands (especially in prawns) are found as excretory organs.
viii. Circulatory system open. Haemolymph acts as the main body fluid.
ix. Fertilization mostly internal. Oviparous animals with direct or indirect development.
Examples:
 Economically important insects: Apis (bee), Bombyx mori (eri silk worm), Laccifer (lac insect).
 Vectors of diseases: Anopheles, Culex, Aedes (dengue), Musca (house fly).
 Limulus (King crab), prawns, spiders, etc.
 What makes Arthropoda the largest animal phylum?
Arthropods constitute about 82% of all animals and the reasons for this are as follows:
a. Presence of thick exoskeleton made up of chitin.
b. Jointed appendages and jointed body increases its versatility of exploring varied habitats.
c. Presence of striated muscles allow the animals to move different parts of body at will.
d. Greater variations and specialization in body systems like digestive, respiratory, excretory system, etc.
e. Well developed sense organs for quicker responses.
f. Presence of well developed endocrine system for increased coordination.
g. Existence of social groups and colonies for better survival and protection.

PHYLUM – MOLLUSCA (Snails, octopus, squids):

i. Second largest animal phylum. Animals may be bilaterally symmetrical or asymmetrical, truly coelomate,
triploblastic with unsegmented body. Exhibit organ system level of organization.
ii. Body may be covered by a calcareous shell.
iii. Body divisible into head, muscular foot and visceral hump.
iv. A spongy layer of tissue called Mantle is present over the visceral hump. Between hump and mantle is the
mantle cavity where feather-like gills are present. They have excretory and respiratory functions.
v. Mouth contains a file-like rasping organ for feeding called Radula.
vi. Members unisexual, oviparous and development indirect with larval forms.
Examples: Pila (apple snail), Sepia (cuttle fish), Loligo (squid), Octopus, etc.

PHYLUM – ECHINODERMATA (Star fishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea lilies, etc.)
i. Endoskeleton represented by calcareous ossicles and hence the term Echinodermata (spiny bodied).
ii. All marine with well-developed organ systems. Adults radially symmetrical whereas larvae bilaterally
symmetrical. Triploblastic animals with true coelom.
iii. Digestive system complete with ventral oral and dorsal aboral sides.
iv. A unique system, called Water vascular system, is present for locomotion as well as for transport of food and
respiration.
v. No well-defined excretory system is present.
vi. Sexes separate (unisexual); reproduction sexual; fertilization external; development indirect with larval stages.
 Examples: Asterias (star fish), Echinus (sea urchin), Antedon (sea lily), Cucumaria (sea cucumber), Ophiura
(brittle star).

PHYLUM – HEMICHORDATA (Tongue or Acorn worms):

i. Worm-like, marine with organ system level of organization.
ii. Bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic and truly coelomate.
iii. Body divisible into proboscis (anterior conical part), collar (short middle region) and trunk (posterior part).
iv. Circulatory system open and respiration through gills.
v. Excretory organs include the proboscis glands.
vi. Unisexual. Fertilization external and development indirect.
Examples: Balanoglossus (tongue worm) and Saccoglossus.

PHYLUM – CHORDATA (Notochord present):

 Notochord: An elastic skeletal rod lying lengthwise beneath the nerve cord and above the alimentary canal
in the embryos or adults of all chordate animals. Its function is to strengthen and support the body and act
as a protagonist (supporting structure) for the muscles. It is found in both adult and larval lancelets (small
translucent burrowing marine animals) but in adult vertebrates, it is largely replaced by the vertebral
column. (Definition from Oxford dictionary of Biology).
i. Notochord present in larva or adult stages.
ii. A dorsal, hollow nerve cord is present.
iii. Pharyngeal gill slits are present on the lateral sides of pharynx (in larval stages or throughout life).
iv. A post-anal tail occurs in most chordates at least in the embryonic stages.
v. All chordates have bilateral symmetry with true coeloms.
vi. A well-developed brain is present in all chordates.
vii. Appendages are unpaired in lower chordates, but paired in higher ones.
viii. Circulatory system is usually closed containing ventral heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
ix. Well-developed excretory system with kidneys is present.
x. Well -developed sensory and integumentary system is present.
xi. An endoskeleton is living and is derived from notochord is present. Some have exoskeleton represented by hair,
scales, feathers, horns, nails, claws, etc. Exoskeleton is mainly protective.

Phylum chordata is divided into three sub-phyla as follows:

a. Urochordata or Tunicata (Notochord is present in the larval tail).
b. Cephalochordate (Notochord is present throughout entire life span from head to tail).
c. Vertebrata (Notochord present in embryonic stages and later modified into vertebral column).
 Subphylum Urochordata and Cephalochordata are together called Protochordata.

Sub-phylum: Urochordata or Tunicata:

i. Exclusively marine. Body sac-like; may be laterally compressed, barrel shaped or rectangular.
ii. Body covered by a thick tunic or test of cellulose-like substance called tunicin (thus the name Tunicata).
iii. Notochord is present in larval tail (thus the name Urochordata) but is absent in adults.
iv. Proper brain, appendages and segmentation is absent. Dorsal nerve cord is present in larvae.
v. Complex chordate characters are present only in larval stages. They disappear during development. Thus the
development shows Retrogressive metamorphosis (loss of body parts/organs during development). Adults look
like sponges.
vi. A true coelom is absent in adults. Coelom is lined by ectoderm (Generally lined by mesoderm).
vii. Respiration through skin; circulatory system well-developed with contractile heart and blood vessels.
viii. Reproduction asexual as well as sexual. Fertilization external; development indirect.
Examples: Herdmania (sea squirt), Ascidia, Salpa, Doliolum, Pyrosoma (Bioluminiscent).

Sub-phylum: Cephalochordata:
i. Exclusively marine. Head is absent; body divided into trunk and tail.
ii. Notochord is present from head to tail in adults.
iii. Digestive system complete and they are filter feeders. Pharynx perforated by gill slits (a chordate character).
iv. Nerve cord dorsal and hollow as in all chordates. Brain is absent.
v. Paired appendages are absent; unpaired fins are present for swimming.
vi. Respiration through body surface; circulation closed, but a true heart is absent;
vii. Sexes separate. Reproduction sexual; development indirect.
Examples: Branchiostoma or Amphioxux (Lancelet).

Sub-phylum: Vertebrata:
Members of Subphylum Vertebrata bear notochord only during embryonic period, which is later
replaced by or modified into vertebral column. The sub-phylum is subdivided into two divisions as follows:
a. Agnatha (jawless vertebrates comprising Lampreys and Hagfishes; one group extinct).
b. Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates comprising fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals).
Class: Cyclostomata (cyclo – circular, stoma – mouth):
i. Mouth circular and jawless.
ii. Members are ectoparasites on some large fishes.
iii. Body elongated with 6-15 pairs of gill slits.
iv. Scales and paired fins are absent.
v. Endoskeleton cartilaginous (made up of cartilages).
vi. Circulation closed with well-developed heart and blood vessels.
vii. Adults live in sea but migrate to freshwater for spawning (laying eggs). Adults die within few days after
spawning.
viii. Larvae undergo metamorphosis and return to sea.
Examples: Petromyzon (Lamprey), Myxine (Hag fish).

Class: Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes):

i. Marine with streamlined or flat body.
ii. Endoskeleton is cartilaginous (containing Chondroblasts/chondrocytes; thus the name Chondrichthyes).
iii. Mouth ventral. Jaws are powerful and thus help in predation.
iv. Gill slits separated and without operculum (cover of the gills in fishes).
v. Notochord is present throughout life.
vi. Skin is tough with Placoid scales. They are directed backwards.
vii. Air bladder is absent. Thus they have to swim continuously to avoid sinking.
viii. Circulatory system with two chambered heart and blood vessels are present. Poikilothermic or cold blooded.
ix. Certain species have electric organs (like Torpedo) and poison stings (like Sting rays) for protection.
x. Sexes separate; pelvic fins bear Claspers (grasping structures); fertilization internal; some are
ovoviviparous/viviparous.
Examples: All sharks and rays like Scoliodon (dog fish), Carcharodon (Great white shark), Trygon (Sting ray),
Torpedo (Electric ray), etc.

Class: Osteichthyes (Bony fishes):

i. Marine or freshwater fishes.
ii. Endoskeleton bony (containing Osteoblasts/osteocytes; thus the name osteichthyes).
iii. Mouth terminal with jaws.
iv. Gills four pairs covered by operculum (structure covering gills).
v. Body covered by cycloid or ctenoid scales.
vi. Air bladder regulates buoyancy; thus they do not have to swim all the time in order to prevent sinking.
vii. Heart two chambered and poikilothermic.
viii. Sexes separate; fertilization external; oviparous and development direct.
Examples: All freshwater and some marine fishes like Labeo rohita (Rohu), Catla (Bahu), Hippocampus (Sea
horse), Clarius (Magur), Exocoetus (Flying fish), etc.

Class: Amphibia:
i. Aquatic as well as terrestrial; but one stage (larval stage) is obligatory in water.
ii. Body divisible into head, trunk and tail. Tail may be absent in some.
iii. Limbs usually two pairs, but absent in some.
iv. Skin is moist without scales.
v. Ear is absent. Tympanum represents the ear.
vi. Alimentary canal, reproductive ducts and excretory ducts open into a common chamber called Cloaca.
vii. Respiration by gills in larvae; by lungs and skin in adults.
viii. Heart three chambered – two atria and one ventricle; thus poikilothermic.
ix. Sexes separate; fertilization external; oviparous; development indirect.
Examples: Bufo (toad), Rana (Frog), Hyla (a tree frog), Salamendra (Salamander), Ichthyophis (limbless glass
snake).

Class: Reptilia:
i. Creeping or crawling animals. Mostly terrestrial; some are aquatic.
ii. Body covered by cornified skin, epidermal scales or scutes.
iii. No external ear present; tympanum represents ear.
iv. Limbs, if present, two pairs.
v. Heart usually three chambered as in amphibians; partially four chambered in crocodiles. Thus poikilothermic.
vi. Snakes and lizards cast off their skin or scales as skin cast by a process called moulting.
vii. Sexes separate; fertilization internal; oviparous and development direct.
viii. Some snakes have poison glands for protection. They are modified salivary glands. Some lizards are also
poisonous.
Examples: Lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, alligators.

Class: Aves (Birds):

i. Body covered by feathers and furs.
ii. Forelimbs modified into wings.
iii. Beak is present without teeth.
iv. Hind limbs have generally scales and modified for walking, swimming, grasping, running, etc.
 v. Skin dry without glands except oil glands (Preen glands) at the base of their tail.
vi. Long bones have hollow air spaces as a flight adaptation. Such bones are called pneumatic bones.
vii. Digestive tract has additional chambers – Crop (for storing food) and Gizzard (for crushing food).
viii. Heart completely four chambered. Warm blooded or homoeothermic. Only right systemic artery is present.
ix. Respire by lungs. Additional air sacs are present and connected to lungs.
x. Sexes separate; fertilization indirect; oviparous; and development direct.
Flight adaptations in birds:
 Forelimbs are modified into wings.
 Presence of light but strong bones. Long bones are Pneumatic (air spaces inside).
 Well-developed pectoral girdles for attachment of bones of wings.
 Presence of keeled sternum (chest bone) for attachment of flight muscles.
 Enlarged pelvic girdles for supporting body weight during rest.
 Reduced tail and streamlined body.

Class: Mammalia:
i. Members have mammary glands for nourishing their young ones.
ii. Body usually covered by hairs (except in some like Dolphins, whales, etc.)
iii. Mostly viviparous; but some are oviparous like Prototherians (Platypus).
iv. Acquire all kinds of habitats; some are even adapted for flying (bats).
v. External pinna or ear is present for collection of sound waves.
vi. Teeth thecodont (embedded in jaws), diphyodont (two sets of teeth) and heterodont (different kinds).
vii. Heart completely four chambered. Systemic artery only on left side. Homoeothermic or warm blodded.
viii. Respiration exclusively by lungs.
ix. Sexes separate; fertilization internal; development direct.
Examples: All mammals.

Important topics/differences to remember:

Non-chordates Chordates
Notochord is absent. Notochord is present in larvae or adult or throughout life.
Nerve cord solid and ventral in location. Nerve cord dorsal and hollow.
Pharyngeal gill slits are absent. Pharyngeal gill slits are present in embryonic or adult
stages.
Heart dorsal and usually tubular. Heart ventral and highly muscular.
A post anal tail is usually absent. A post anal tail is present in larvae or adult.
Examples: Sponges, coelenterates, flat worms, round Examples: All vertebrates.
worms, earthworms, arthropods, molluscs and
echinoderms.

Chondrichthyes Osteichthyes
Members have endoskeleton made up of cartilage. Endoskeleton is made up of bone.
Body is covered by placoid scales. Body covered by cycloid or ctenoid scales. Some
members do not have scales.
Air bladder is absent; thus they have to swim all the time Air bladder is present which helps in buoyancy; thus they
in order to avoid sinking. do not have to swim continuously.
Mouth is generally ventral. Mouth is terminally located.
Mostly oviparous, i.e., they lay eggs. Mostly ovoviviparous, i.e., oviposition and hatching
occurs inside the body.
Notochord is present throughout life beneath the Notochord is absent in adults. It is replaced by the bony
vertebral column. vertebral column.
Gill slits are not covered by operculum. Gill slits are covered by operculum.
Members are exclusively marine represented by sharks Most of the members are freshwater fishes with few
and rays. exceptions like sea horses.

Radial symmetry Bilateral symmetry

When an animal can be divided into two identical halves When the animal can be divided into two identical halves
through any plane passing through the central only through one plane passing through the mid
longitudinal axis, the animal is said to have radial longitudinal axis, the animal is said to have bilateral
symmetry. symmetry.
Such animals have no right and left side/half. Animals have well defined right and left halves.
Animals bear oral and aboral sides. Animals bear anterior and posterior sides as well as
dorsal and ventral sides.
Mostly exhibited by the lower animals/invertebrates like Mostly exhibited by the higher invertebrates and all
coelenterates, comb jellies, etc. vertebrates.

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