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Biol Assignment 9

biology assignment

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15 views

Biol Assignment 9

biology assignment

Uploaded by

wuchun.davis.908
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Biol assignment 9

1. What are the five major classes in the phylum Echinodermata? What is unique
about each of these classes? (5 pts)

The five major classes include Asteroidea (sea stars), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars), Echinoidea
(sand dollars and sea urchins), Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers), and Crinoidea (sea lilies or
feather stars).

Asteroidea have an echinoderm body plan and uniquely thick arms called ambulacra. They use
their tube feet to not only suction onto things, but also catch prey. They also have two
stomachs, one of which is used to secrete digestive juices into or onto their prey, liquifying the
meal. Ophiuroidea, although having a similar body plan to sea stars, have very long flexible
arms that sharply demarcate from the central disk, instead. The arms move in a uniquely swift,
snake-like way. Unlike sea stars, their tube feet lack suckers and the gonads and other internal
organs are only found in the central disk and not the arms. Echinoidea, unlike Asteroidea and
Ophiuroidea, do not have arms and instead embody flattened discs with rows of tube feet they
use for movement. Their mouths are also unique and have an intricate system of jaws and
muscles called Aristotle’s lantern which they use to eat algae and other bits of food.
Holothuroidea, unlike Asteroidea, Ophiuroidea, and Echinoidea, are worm-shaped, don’t have
spines, and lack radial symmetry. Their body plan, unlike most in their phylum, include an
endoskeleton made of calcareous spicules scattered over the wart skin. They also demonstrate
“functional” bilateral symmetry as adults and lie horizontally instead of vertically. Finally,
Crinoidea are unique because they are suspension feeder.

2. There were 2 unusual defensive strategies used by echinoderms? Please include an


example of the organism with the strategy. (5 pts)

Autostyly – Brittle stars, when faced with a predator, may detach a couple arms that move on
their own and act as a distraction while they get away. They can regenerate that arm later. Sea
urchin, similarly, can regenerate spines. Some sea cucumbers eject their internal organs when
threatened, then slowly regenerate them back (evisceration).

Spines – some sea urchins (ex: Strongylocentrotus spp.) have spines that are used as a defense
mechanism. They lodge under the skin and can cause infection, especially if lodged in a joint.

3. What is unique about the organisms is the subphlya: Hemichordata, Urochordata,


and Cephalachordata? (5 pts)

During at least part of their development, all organisms in this subphyla possess a dorsal nerve
cord, gill slits, a notochord, and a post-anal tail.

4. Define neotony. Identify the subphylum where this process occurs. (5 pts)
Neotony is the retention of the larval stage to the adult stage. This process occurs in the
subphylum Cephalochordata.

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