List the 9 major animal phylum. Which phylum do humans belong in? What does vertebrate mean? What is a unique characteristic of marsupials? What is the human species called? age Iof 29 0t 20
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers:
- The 9 major animal phyla:
- Porifera (sponges)
- Cnidaria (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones)
- Platyhelminthes (flatworms)
- Nematoda (roundworms)
- Annelida (segmented worms)
- Mollusca (snails, clams, octopuses)
- Arthropoda (insects, spiders, crustaceans)
- Echinodermata (starfish, sea urchins)
- Chordata (animals with a notochord)
- Phylum of humans: Chordata
- Meaning of vertebrate: A vertebrate is an animal that possesses a backbone or spinal column.
- Unique characteristic of marsupials: Marsupials give birth to underdeveloped young that continue development in a pouch on the mother’s body.
- Human species name: Homo sapiens
Explanation
The animal kingdom is broadly classified into several major groups called phyla, based on body structure, development, and other biological characteristics. Among these, nine major phyla represent the vast diversity of animals found on Earth. Porifera are the simplest animals, lacking true tissues. Cnidaria possess specialized stinging cells and display radial symmetry. Platyhelminthes are flat-bodied worms with no body cavity, while Nematoda are roundworms with a simple digestive system. Annelida are segmented worms with repeating body units. Mollusca include soft-bodied animals, many of which have shells. Arthropoda, the largest phylum, includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans, characterized by jointed limbs and exoskeletons. Echinodermata are marine animals with radial symmetry and include sea stars and sea cucumbers. Finally, Chordata encompasses animals that at some point in their lives possess a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail.
Humans fall under the phylum Chordata due to the presence of a notochord during embryonic development and other key anatomical traits. Within this phylum, humans are further categorized as vertebrates, indicating the presence of a backbone, which protects the spinal cord and supports the body structure.
Vertebrates include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Among mammals, marsupials form a unique subgroup. These animals, such as kangaroos and koalas, are distinct for their reproductive strategy. They give birth to immature offspring that complete development in a maternal pouch, rather than developing fully inside the womb.
The biological species name for humans is Homo sapiens. This scientific name uses Latin and follows the binomial nomenclature system developed by Carl Linnaeus. “Homo” refers to the genus, and “sapiens” means “wise” or “knowing,” denoting the advanced cognitive abilities associated with the species.
