Chapter - 4

ANIMAL KINGDOM
Animals are multicellular and heterotrophic organisms without cell wall and
chlorophyll.
Kingdom Animalia includes 11 major phyla:
1. Porifera 7. Arthropoda – largest phylum
2. Cnidaria 8. Mollusca
3. Ctenophora 9. Echinodermata
4. Platyhelminthes 10. Hemichordata
5. Aschelminthes 11. Chordata
6. Annelida

BASIS OF CLASSIFICATION

1. Levels of organization
Based on organization of cells, animals are grouped into three levels:
a. Cellular level of organization: Here, the cells are arranged as loose cell
aggregates. E.g. Porifera.
b. Tissue level of organization: Here, the cells are arranged into tissues. E.g.
Cnidarians and Ctenophores.
c. Organ level of organization: Here, the tissues are arranged into organs and the
organs are associated to
form organ systems. Each system performs a specific physiological function. E.g.
All higher animals (from Platyhelminthes to chordates). Organ systems of different
animals show complexities. E.g.

Digestive system of cnidarians and Platyhelminthes is incomplete (i.e. it has only

a single opening which serves as both mouth and anus). Complete digestive
system has 2 openings (mouth & anus).
Circulatory system is 2 types: open and closed.

2. Body symmetry
It is the arrangement of similar body parts on 2 sides of main axis of body. Based
on symmetry, animals are 2 types:
Asymmetrical and Symmetrical.

a. Asymmetrical: Here, body cannot be divided into 2 equal halves. E.g. Most
Poriferans, Snails etc.

b. Symmetrical: Here, body can be divided into 2 equal halves. It is 2 types.

 Radial symmetry: Here, body can be divided into 2 equal halves by any
plane along central axis (oralaboral axis) of body. E.g. some Poriferans,
Cnidarians, Ctenophores and Echinoderms.
 Bilateral symmetry: Here, body can be divided into right and left halves in
only one plane. E.g.
Platyhelminthes to Chordata (except Echinodermata).
The body of bilaterally symmetrical animal has an upper or dorsal side, a
lower ventral side, left & right lateral sides, anterior (cephalic) side and
posterior (anal or tail) side.

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3. Germinal layers (Embryonic layers)
These are layers of embryo from which all the body organs are formed. Based on
the number of germ layers, animals are 2 types- Diploblastic and Triploblastic.
a. Diploblastic animals: 2 germ layers- outer ectoderm and inner endoderm. In
between these layers, an
undifferentiated jelly-like layer called mesoglea is present. E.g. Porifera, Cnidaria &
Ctenophora.
b. Triploblastic animals: 3 germ layers- Outer ectoderm, middle mesoderm and
inner endoderm. E.g.
Platyhelminthes to Chordata.

4. Coelom (body cavity)

It is the cavity lined by mesoderm. It is seen between body wall and gut wall.
Coelom separates the muscles of gut and body wall.
Based on the nature of coelom, animals are 3 types:
a. Acoelomate: No coelom. The space between body wall and digestive cavity is
filled with matrix (parenchyma). E.g. Porifera to Platyhelminthes.
b. Pseudocoelomate: False coelom. Here, the body cavity is not lined by
mesoderm. Mesoderm is seen as scattered pouches. E.g. Aschelminthes.
c. Eucoelomate (Coelomate): True coelom. Here, the coelom arises from the
mesoderm. Coelom is lined by peritoneal layer and filled with coelomic fluid. E.g.
Annelida to Chordata.

Functions of coelom:
It accommodates visceral organs.
Coelomic fluid reduces friction between visceral organs.
It acts as shock absorber.

5. Metamerism (segmentation)
In some animals, the body or organs is externally and internally divided into
repeated segments (metameres). This is called metamerism. E.g. Annelids
(earthworm etc.), Arthropods.

6. Notochord
It is a mesodermally derived supporting rod formed on the dorsal side during
embryonic development in some animals. Animals with notochord are called
chordates and those without notochord are called non-chordates.

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COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT PHYLA (NON-CHORDATES)

Cnidaria Ctenophora (Comb

Features Porifera (Sponges)
(Coelenterata) jellies or Sea walnuts)

Grades of
Cellular Tissue Tissue
organization
Symmetry Asymmetrical/radial Radial Radial
Germ layers Diploblastic Diploblastic Diploblastic
Coelom Acoelomate Acoelomate Acoelomate
Aquatic(mostly Aquatic (mostly
Habit and marine). marine). Sessile/free Exclusively marine.
habitat Sedentary. swimming. Solitary & pelagic
Solitary or colonial. Solitary/colonial.
Absent.Water
transport(canal Incomplete.
Digestive Incomplete.Intracellular
system)togather Intracellular and
system &extracellular igestion.
food.Intracellular extracellular digestion.
digestion.
Absent.
Respiratory
Respiration by canal Absent Absent
system
system
Absent.
Circulatory
Circulation by canal Absent Absent
system
system
Absent.
Excretory
Excretion by canal Body surface. Body surface.
system
system.
Only a network of Only a network of
Neural system Absent.
neurons. neurons.
Asexual Polyp reproduces
(fragmentation) and asexually (budding) and
Only Sexual.
Sexual. medusa sexually. Most
Reproductive Hermaphrodite.
Hermaphrodite. are separate sexes.
system External fertilization.
Internal fertilization. External fertilization.
Development is indirect.
Development is Development is
indirect. indirect.
Tentacles with
cnidoblasts.
Asexual A gastro-vascular cavity
(fragmentation) and (coelenteron) Locomotion is by 8
Sexual. with a single opening vertical external rows of
Unique
Hermaphrodite. (mouth) on hypostome. ciliated comb plates.
features
Internal fertilization. Polyp & Medusa forms Tentacles present.
Development is are seen. Some shows Shows Bioluminescence
indirect. alternation of
generation. Corals have
skeleton (CaCO3).
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 Hydra, Obelia, Aurelia,
Physalia (Portugese
Sycon (Scypha),
man of war), Adamsia
Spongilla (fresh
(Sea-anemone), Ctenoplana,
Examples water sponge),
Pennatula (Sea pen)), Pleurobrachia
Euspongia (Bath
Gorgonia (Sea fan),
sponge)
Meandrina (Brain coral)
etc.
1. Canal system (water transport): A system in sponges. Here, water enters
through minute pores (ostia) in the body wall into a central cavity (spongocoel),
from where it goes out through osculum. Canal system is used for food gathering,
gas exchange and removal of wastes.
2. Hermaphrodite: Male and female sex organs are seen in same individual.
3. Tentacles: Finger-like structures which surrounds the mouth of coelenterates.
Used for food capture & defense.
4. Cnidoblasts (Cnidocytes): These are stinging cells (present on the tentacles and
the body) with a poison-filled capsule
called nematocyst. Cnidoblast is used for anchorage, defense and to capture
prey.
5. Polyp & Medusa: 2 types of body forms in cnidarians.
Polyp is tubular attached asexual form, with upwardly directed mouth & tentacles.
E.g. Hydra, Adamsia.
Medusa is umbrella like, free-swimming sexual form, with downwardly directed
mouth & tentacles. E.g. Aurelia (Jelly fish).
6. Alternation of generation (Metagenesis): The phenomenon in which polyps
produce medusae asexually and medusae form the polyps sexually. E.g. Obelia.
7. Bioluminescence: It is the property of some animals to emit light from the body.

Aschelminthes Annelida
Platyhelmint Arthropoda
(Nemathelminthes (Segmented
Features hes (Joint-legged
or or Ringed
(Flatworms) animals)
Roundworms) worms)
Grades of Organ &
organizati Organ Organ system Organ system Organ system
on system
Symmetr
Bilateral Bilateral Bilateral Bilateral
y
Germ
Triploblastic Triploblastic Triploblastic Triploblastic
layers
Coelom Acoelomate Pseudocoelomate Eucoelomate Eucoelomate
Mainly Aquatic and Terrestrial,
aquatic. terrestrial. fresh
Habit
Endoparasite Free living or water or
and Cosmopolitan
s. Some parasitic marine.
habitat
are free- in plants & Free living or
living. animals. parasitic.
Complete. Tubular
alimentary canal
Digestive Complete and well
Incomplete with Complete
system developed
well-developed
muscular

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 pharynx.

Cutaneous
respiration.
Respirato
Some have Gills/ book gills/
ry Absent Absent
branchial trachea/book lungs
system
(gill)
respiration
Circulato
ry Absent Absent Closed type Open type
system
An excretory tube
to Antennary glands/
Excretory remove body Malpighian
Flame cells Nephridia
system waste tubules/ coxal
through excretory glands
pore.
Paired ganglia
connected by A nerve ring
lateral followed by a
Neural
Present Present nerves to a double ventral
system
double ganglionated
ventral nerve nerve cord.
cord.
Asexual
(fragmentatio Sexual. Sexes are separate.
n) and Sexes are separate Earthworms External
Sexual. (Dioecious). & leeches fertilization in
Hermaphrodi Sexual are aquatic forms.
Reproduc te. reproduction. hermaphrodit Internal
tive Internal Internal es. fertilization in land
system Fertilization. fertilization. Neries is forms.
Development Development is dioecious. Mostly oviparous.
is direct Development Development is
indirect or indirect. is direct or
(many larval indirect. indirect.
stages).
Unsegmente True Jointed
d, segmentation. appendages.
dorso- Longitudinal Body has 3 regions:
Syncitial
ventrally and head,
epidermis.
flattened circular thorax & abdomen.
Thick cuticle.
Unique body muscles help Body is covered by
Sexual
features (except tape in locomotion. chitinous
dimorphism
worms). Locomotory cuticle
(females are longer
Hooks & organs (exoskeleton).
than males).
suckers in are setae (in Sensory organs are
parasitic earthworm) or antennae,
forms. parapodia (in compound &
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 Some absorb Neries). simple eyes,
nutrients statocysts
from the (balance organs).
host through
their
body
surface.

Spider, Scorpion,
Crab, Prawn,
Insects etc.
Taenia Economically
solium (Tape important
worm), Ascaris Pheretima insects:
Fasciola (Roundworm), (Earthworm), Apis, Bombyx,
(Liver Ancylostoma Hirudinaria Laccifer.
Examples fluke), (Hookworm), (Blood Vectors:
Planaria Wuchereria sucking Mosquitoes
(shows (Filarial Leech), (Anopheles, Culex
high worm). Neries. & Aedes), Housefly
regeneration etc.
capacity). Gregarious pest:
Locusta.
Living fossil:
Limulus (King crab)
1. Sexual dimorphism: Male and female show morphological difference.
2. Metamorphosis: Transformation of a larva into an adult. If the adult is lost
some advanced characters of the larva it is
called Retrogressive metamorphosis (It is the characteristic feature of
Urochordata).

Mollusca Echinodermata
Features Hemichordata

(Soft-bodied (Spiny-skinned
animals) animals)

Grades of Organ system Organ system Organ system

organizati
on
Symmetry Bilateral Radial (Bilateral in Bilateral
larva)
Germ Triploblastic Triploblastic Triploblastic
layers
Coelom Eucoelomate Eucoelomate Eucoelomate

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Habit and Aquatic. Few are Exclusively marine. Marine
habitat terrestrial.
Digestive Complete and
well Complete. Ventral Complete
system developed. mouth and dorsal
anus.
Respirator Gills in aq. forms and Dermal branchiae Gills
y pulmonary (skin gills
system sac in terrestrial forms. or papulae) and tube
feet.
Circulator Open type Reduced and open Open type
y system type.
Excretory Metanephridia Absent. Proboscis gland
system Diffusion through
gills.
Neural Paired ganglia Present. No brain. Simple
system and their
connectives.
Sexes are separate. Sexes are separate.
Reproduct Sexes are separate. External fertilization. External fertilization.
ive Oviparous. Development is
system Development is indirect. Development is indirect.
indirect.
Ciliated free swimming
larva.
Body has head, visceral Body is covered with
mass spines for
(visceral hump) & protection. Head Worm-like cylindrical
muscular foot. absent. body composed of an
Unique Head has sensory Calcareous anterior proboscis, a
features tentacles. endoskeleton collar and a long
Univalve or bivalve (ossicles) present. trunk.
calcareous
shell. Feather-like gills Water vascular
(for system present.
respiration & excretion). Shows autotomy and
Mantle & radula seen. regeneration.
Pila (Apple Snail), Asterias (Starfish),
Achatina (Land
snail), Pinctada (Pearl Echinus (Sea Urchin),
Oyster),
Examples Sepia (Cuttlefish), Loligo Echinocardium, Balanoglossus
(Squid), (Tongue worm),
Octopus (Devil fish), Antedon (Sea Lily), Saccoglossus
Aplysia (Sea Hare), Cucumaria (Sea
Dentalium (Tusk shell), Cucumber), Ophiura
Chaetopleura (Chiton) (Brittle Star).
1. Radula: File-like rasping organ present in the mouth of molluscs. It is used for
feeding.

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2. Mantle (Pallium): The membrane which covers visceral mass. Space between
the hump and mantle is called mantle cavity.
3. Water vascular (ambulacral) system: A system (present in Echinodermata) in
which sea water enters through a porous plate called madreporite The water
vascular system consists of radiating canals and tube feet (podia) filled with
water. Their main functions are locomotion, respiration, food capture &
transport.
4. PHYLUM CHORDATA
These are animals with notochord, dorsal tubular nerve cord and pharyngeal gill
slits. Notochord is a flexible rod located in the mid dorsal line between the
alimentary canal and the nerve cord in the embryo.
Differences between Chordata and Non-Chordata
Chordata Non-Chordata
1. Notochord is found in the embryonic Absent
stage
2. Central nervous system is dorsal, Ventral, solid and double
hollow and single
3. Pharyngeal gill slits present Absent
4. Ventral heart Dorsal heart (if present)
5. A post-anal tail is present Absent
Phylum Chordata is classified into 3 subphyla: Urochordata, Cephalochordata
& Vertebrata
PROTOCHORDATA (ACRANIATA)
VERTEBRATA (CRANIATA)
Urochordata (Tunicata) Cephalochordata
Possess notochord during the
▪ Notochord present only embryonic period
▪Notochord from head to
in larval tail ▪ Notochord is replaced by a
tail region and is persistent
▪Body is covered by test cartilaginous
throughout the life
made up of tunicin or bony vertebral column in the
▪ Fish-like body
▪ Exclusively marine adult
▪ Exclusively marine
▪Retrogressive ▪ Ventral muscular heart
▪ No definite coelom
metamorphosis ▪ Kidneys for excretion &
▪Sexes are separate
▪ Hermaphrodite osmoregulation
▪ E.g. Branchiostoma
▪E.g. Ascidia, Salpa, ▪ Paired appendages which may
(Amphioxus or Lancelet)
Doliolum etc be fins
or limbs
CLASSIFICATION OF VERTEBRATA

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Class Cyclostomata:
All are ectoparasites on some fishes.
Elongated body.
VERTEBRATA
6-15 pairs of gill slits for respiration.
Sucking and circular mouth without jaws.
No scales and paired fins.
Cartilaginous cranium and vertebral column.

Circulation is closed type.

Marine, but migrate for spawning to fresh water. After spawning, they die. Their
larvae, after metamorphosis, return to ocean.
E.g. Petromyzon (Lamprey) and Myxine (Hagfish).

SUPERCLASS PISCES (FISHES

Class Chondricthyes Class Osteichthyes
Marine. Stream-lined body. Predaceous. Marine & fresh water. Stream-lined body.
Cartilaginous Bony endoskeleton.
endoskeleton. Notochord
is persistent throughout
life.
Ventral mouth. Terminal mouth.
Gill slits without operculum. Powerful 4 pairs of gills covered by operculum on
jaws. each side.
Skin with placoid scales. Teeth are Scales are Cycloid, ctenoid etc.
modified placoid scales which are
backwardly directed.
No air bladder. So they have to swim Air bladder for buoyancy.
constantly to avoid sinking.
Poikilotherms (cold-blooded) Poikilotherms (cold-blooded)
Two-chambered heart (one auricle and Two-chambered heart (one auricle and
one ventricle) one ventricle)
Sexes are separate. In males pelvic fins Sexes are separate. Fertilisation external.
bear claspers. Internal fertilization. Mostly oviparous. Development is direct.
Many of them viviparous.
Examples Examples
Scoliodon (Dogfish), Pristis (Saw fish), Marine: Exocoetus (flying fish),
Carcharodon (Great white shark), Trygon Hippocampus (seahorse) Fresh water:
(Sting ray), Torpedo (Electric ray- has Labeo (Rohu), Catla (Katla), Clarias
electric organ). (Magur) or catfish).
Aquarium: Betta (Fighting fish),
Pterophyllum (Angel fish).

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SUPERCLASS TETRAPODA

Class Amphibia Class Reptilia Class Aves (Birds) Class Mammalia

Aquatic larval
Presence of feathers Presence of
life & terrestrial Dry & cornified
and beak. mammary
adult life. For skin,
Forelimbs are glands (milk
breeding they epidermal scales or
modified into producing
require a watery scutes.
wings. glands).
environment.

Skin is dry without

glands except
Skin with hair.
the oil gland at the
Snakes and lizards 2 pairs of limbs for
Moist skin base of the tail.
shed their walking,
without scales. Hind limbs have
scales as skin cast. running, climbing,
Pentadactyl scales and are
Limbs- 2 pairs (if burrowing,
limbs. modified for
present). swimming or
walking, swimming,
flying.
or clasping tree
branches.
Tympanum Tympanum Tympanum External ear
represents ear represents ear represents ear (Pinnae)
3-chambered heart
(but a
3-chambered septum partially
heart separates
4-chambered heart. 4-chambered heart
(2 auricles + 1 ventricle). Heart is
ventricle). 4-
chambered in
crocodiles.
Poikilotherms Poikilotherms Homoiotherms Homoiotherms

Alimentary Well developed

canal, urinary alimentary
Digestive tract with
& reproductive Alimentary canal canal.
additional
tracts open well Dentition is
chambers, the crop
into a Cloaca developed Heterodont,
& gizzard
which opens thecodont &
to exterior diphyodont.

Respiration is by
Double respiration.
gills (in Respiration by Respiration by
Air sacs
larva), lungs & lungs. lungs.
connected to lungs.
skin
Sexes are Sexes are separate.
separate. Fertilisation Fertilisation is Fertilisation
Fertilisation internal. internal. internal. Viviparous
external. Oviparous. Oviparous. (except Echidna
Oviparous. Development is Development is and Platypus).
Development direct. direct Development is
is indirect. direct.
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 Examples
Corvus (Crow),
Examples
Examples Columba
Ornithorhynchus
Chelone (Turtle), (Pigeon), Psittacula
(Platypus),
Testudo (Parrot),
Macropus
(Tortoise), Struthio (Ostrich),
(Kangaroo),
Chameleon (Tree Pavo (Peacock),
Pteropus (flying
lizard), Calotes Gullus (Fowl), Bubo
Examples fox),
(Garden (Owl),
Bufo (Toad), Camelus (Camel),
lizard), Crocodilus Aptenodytes
Rana (Frog), Macaca (Monkey),
(Crocodile), (Penguin),
Hyla (Tree frog), Rattus (Rat), Canis
Alligator, Neophron
Salamandra (dog),
Hemidactylus (Wall (Vulture) etc.
(Salamander), Felis (Cat), Elephas
lizard). Flying adaptations
Ichthyophis (Elephant), Equus
Poisonous snakes: . Presence of wings,
(Limbless (Horse),
Naja feathers
amphibia) Delphinus
(Cobra), Bangarus and beak.
(Common dolphin),
(Krait), . Double
Balaenoptera (blue
Vipera (Viper) etc. respiration.
whale),
Non-poisonous . Long, hollow and
Panthera tigris
snakes: pneumatic
(Tiger),
Python etc. bones.
Panthera leo (lion)
. No urinary
bladder.

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