Zoology
Zoology
Zoology
Scientists predict that only 15% of species are known to man from the
estimated 8.7 million species. That leaves almost 85% species yet to be
discovered. Only about 953,434 species of animals have been
catalogued in the Animal Kingdom. Let us study this classification of
animals.
There are millions of living organisms in this world. There are some
which are even yet to be discovered. These living organisms that are
known to man, very broadly include animals,
plants, microorganisms etc. All of them show great diversity. Yet, there
are some characteristics that are similar between groups of organisms
and this is what binds them together.
Animal Kingdom
Kingdom Animalia consists of organisms that range from the simplest
of the animal forms to the most complex. At one end of this
classification of animals, you have the microscopic organisms. And at
the other end, you see animals that you probably come across in your
daily life. You and your friends, for example, are members of the
Animal Kingdom. Your pet dog, bird, cat or even those pesky insects
that you find in the gardens are all part of this gigantic kingdom.
Phylum Porifera
Phylum Coelenterata
Phylum Platyhelminthes
Phylum Nematoda
Phylum Annelida
Phylum Arthropoda
Phylum Mollusca
Phylum Echinodermata
Phylum Protochordata
Phylum Vertebrata
Let us now look at some important features of each Phylum.
Phylum Porifera
Phylum Coelenterata
Phylum Platyhelminthes
Phylum Nematoda
The bilateral symmetry and triploblastic nature continue in these
animals. The body, however, is more cylindrical and not flattened. The
body cavity is not a true coelom. And hence it is called a pseudo
coelom. Tissues are present, but organs are absent. These organisms
show a complete alimentary canal which is straight. Most of these
organisms belonging to this phylum are parasitic worms, which cause
diseases. Examples are Ascaris, Wucheria.
Phylum Annelida
Annelids are found in different habitats, such as land, fresh water, and
even marine mater. They have a bilaterally symmetrical body with three
germ layers (Triploblastic). A distinguishing feature here is that they
have a true body cavity. The body is also segmented with some organ
differentiation seen. Examples are Earthworms, Leeches.
Phylum Arthropoda
They make up the largest group in the animal kingdom. Most of the
insects are included in this phylum. “Arthropoda” means jointed legs.
The bodies of these animals are divided into head, thorax, and abdomen.
Apart from the jointed legs, they also have a pair of compound eyes.
Another distinguishing feature of these animals is the presence of an
open circulatory system. Examples are butterfly housefly, spiders,
mosquitoes, crabs etc.
Phylum Mollusca
The bilateral symmetry and the triploblastic nature of the body layers
are seen here too. Molluscans form a very diverse group and form an
important part of the ecosystem. These animals can be seen aquatic
habitats. They can be either marine or freshwater species. The body
does not show much segmentation and the coelomic cavity is also
reduced. The body is typically divided into anterior head, ventral
muscular foot, and a dorsal visceral mass. The foot helps in the
locomotion of the animals. Examples are Snails, Mussels, and Octopus.
Phylum Echinodermata
Phylum Protochordata
Phylum Vertebrata
Notochord
Dorsal Nerve Cord
Post-anal tail
Pharyngeal slits
Phylum Vertebrata is classified into five classes. They are:
1. Pisces
2. Amphibia
3. Reptilia
4. Aves
5. Mammalia
Class Pisces
Class Amphibia
Amphibians can live both on land and in water. They have mucus
glands in the skin. The heart is three chambered, with respiration
occurring through gills or lungs. They are egg-laying animals, with a
distinctive head and trunk. Examples are Frogs, Toads, and Salamander.
Class Reptilia
Class Mammalia