Classification of Animals: Porifera, Cnidaria, and Platyhelminthes

May 28, 2024 1143 0

The animal kingdom classification systems categorize animals into groups (phyla) based on shared characteristics. This section explores three key phyla: Porifera (sponges), Cnidaria (jellyfish, sea anemones), and Platyhelminthes (flatworms). 

Phylum- Porifera

About: Members of this phylum are commonly known as sponges

  • They are generally marine and mostly asymmetrical animals.
  • Dimensions: They range in size from a few millimetres to a few meters.
  • Sponges are filter feeders: They filter out food particles suspended in the surrounding water as they draw it through their body. 
    • Sponges have a water transport or canal system
    • Sponges lack tissues.
  • Features: The body is supported by a skeleton made up of spicules or spongin fibres.
    • Sexes are not separate (hermaphrodite), i.e., eggs and sperm are produced by the same individual.


Phylum- Coelenterata (Cnidaria)

About: They are aquatic, mostly marine, sessile or free-swimming.

  • The name cnidaria is derived from the cnidoblasts or cnidocytes.
  • Features: Cnidoblasts are used for anchorage, defence and for the capture of prey.
    • Cnidarians exhibit tissue level of organisation and are diploblastic.
  • Example: All coral reefs, Physalia (Portuguese man-of-war), Adamsia (Sea anemone).

Phylum- Platyhelminthes

About: These are commonly known as Flatworms.

  • These are mostly endoparasites found in animals, including human beings.
  • Flatworms are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic and acoelomate animals with organ level of organisation.
  • Features: Specialised cells called flame cells help in osmoregulation and excretion.
    • Some members, like Planaria, possess high regeneration capacity.
  • Example: Taenia (Tapeworm), Fasciola (Liver fluke).

Phylum- Aschelminthes

About: Phylum- Aschelminthes commonly called Roundworms.

  • They may be free living, aquatic and terrestrial or parasitic in plants and animals.
  • Example: Roundworms have an organ-system level of body organisation.
  • Features: Males and females are distinct
    • Often females are longer than males.
  • Example: Ascaris (Roundworm), Wuchereria (Filarial worm), Ancylostoma (Hookworm).

 

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Conclusion

These few phyla showcase the incredible diversity within animals. Porifera’s simplicity contrasts with Cnidaria’s stinging defense and Platyhelminthes’ parasitic adaptations. Each phylum reflects a unique evolutionary path, enriching Earth’s animal diversity.

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