Table of Contents
Classification of Animal Kingdom: The Animal Kingdom, or Kingdom Animalia, consists of all animals, both living and extinct. It is categorized into different phyla based on their body structure, development, and genetic traits. The two main groups are Chordates (animals with a notochord) and Non-chordates (animals without a notochord).
The system used to classify living organisms, including those in the Animal Kingdom, was created by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, in the 18th century. He established the hierarchical system of taxonomy and the binomial nomenclature.
Basis of Classification of Animal Kingdom
The classification of animals is based on several important characteristics:
- Number of Germ Layers: Animals are grouped by the number of embryonic layers they have. Diploblastic animals have two layers (ectoderm and endoderm), while triploblastic animals have three layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).
- Body Cavity: Animals are classified by the type of body cavity they possess. Acoelomates lack a body cavity, pseudocoelomates have a partially formed body cavity, and coelomates have a fully developed body cavity.
- Symmetry: Classification can also depend on body symmetry. Asymmetrical animals have no symmetry, radial symmetry means the body can be divided into equal parts around a central point, and bilateral symmetry means the body can be divided into left and right halves.
- Presence or Absence of a Notochord: Chordates, including vertebrates, have a notochord at some stage of development, whereas non-chordates do not.
- Type of Skeleton: Animals may have an internal skeleton (endoskeleton) or an external skeleton (exoskeleton).
- Mode of Reproduction: Animals are classified based on whether they reproduce sexually or asexually.
- Type of Circulatory System: Classification can also be based on the type of circulatory system, either open or closed.
- Type of Nervous System: Animals are categorized by whether they have a simple or complex nervous system.
By examining these features, scientists can classify animals into various phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species.
Classification of Animal Kingdom Class 11
The Animal Kingdom is divided into different groups called phyla, based on common features such as having or lacking a notochord, the type of body cavity, and the number of germ layers.
The main phyla in Classification of Animal Kingdom are as follows:
- Porifera: Sponges
- Cnidaria: Jellyfish and corals
- Platyhelminthes: Flatworms
- Nematoda: Roundworms
- Annelida: Segmented worms
- Arthropoda: Insects, crustaceans, and arachnids
- Mollusca: Snails, clams, and octopuses
- Echinodermata: Starfish and sea urchins
- Chordata: Vertebrates, including humans
Classification of Animal Kingdom with Examples
The Animal Kingdom includes many different kinds of animals, each with its own features and behaviors. Classifying them helps scientists understand how they are related and what makes each group unique. The classification of Animal Kingdom includes some major groups (phyla) in the Animal Kingdom, along with their key characteristics.
Phylum Porifera
Porifera, commonly known as sponges, are the simplest animals and have a cellular organization. They mostly live in the ocean and are known for their porous bodies. Sponges have specialized cells called choanocytes that help with water circulation and feeding. They do not have true tissues or organs, and their bodies are supported by a skeleton made of spicules or spongin fibers. Examples include Sycon, Spongilla, and Euspongia.
Phylum Cnidaria
Cnidarians, also called coelenterates, include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. They have a tissue level of organization and exhibit radial symmetry. Cnidarians possess specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain nematocysts used for defense and capturing prey. They have a simple digestive cavity known as the gastrovascular cavity. Examples include Hydra, Aurelia (jellyfish), and Fungia (coral).
Phylum Platyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes, or flatworms, have flattened bodies and bilateral symmetry. They exhibit an organ level of organization and are acoelomate, meaning they lack a body cavity. Flatworms have a simple digestive system with a single opening. Many are parasitic, such as tapeworms and flukes. Examples include Planaria, Taenia (tapeworm), and Fasciola (liver fluke).
Phylum Nematoda
Nematodes, or roundworms, are pseudocoelomate animals with cylindrical bodies and bilateral symmetry. They have a complete digestive system with a distinct mouth and anus. Nematodes can be found in various environments, including soil and water, and some are parasites in plants and animals. Examples include Ascaris (intestinal roundworm), Wuchereria (filarial worm), and Caenorhabditis elegans (a model organism in research).
Phylum Annelida
Annelids, or segmented worms, have a true coelom and bilateral symmetry. Their bodies are divided into segments, each containing repeated organ systems. Annelids possess a well-developed circulatory system and a complete digestive tract. They can be found in various habitats, from marine to terrestrial. Examples include Earthworm (Lumbricus), Nereis (a marine worm), and Hirudo (leech).
Phylum Arthropoda
Arthropods are the largest phylum in the animal kingdom and include insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and myriapods. They have segmented bodies, exoskeletons made of chitin, and jointed appendages. Arthropods show a high degree of specialization and adaptation to different environments. Examples include insects (e.g., butterfly, beetle), arachnids (e.g., spider, scorpion), and crustaceans (e.g., crab, shrimp).
Phylum Mollusca
Mollusks are soft-bodied animals often protected by a hard shell. They have a true coelom and bilateral symmetry. Mollusks feature a muscular foot, a visceral mass containing internal organs, and a mantle that secretes the shell. They inhabit marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Examples include Snail (Helix), Octopus, and Clam (Pinctada).
Phylum Echinodermata
Echinoderms are marine animals known for their radial symmetry (in adults) and a unique water vascular system used for movement and feeding. They have an endoskeleton made of calcareous plates and can regenerate lost body parts. Examples include Starfish (Asterias), Sea urchin (Echinus), and Sea cucumber (Holothuria).
Phylum Chordata
Chordates are characterized by having a notochord at some point in their development. They exhibit bilateral symmetry, a true coelom, and a high level of organization. This group includes both invertebrates and vertebrates. Vertebrates have a backbone and a complex nervous system. Examples include Amphioxus (a primitive chordate), Fish (e.g., shark, salmon), Birds (e.g., sparrow, eagle), and Mammals (e.g., human, elephant).
FAQs on Animal Kingdom Classification
What are the 10 phylums of animal classification?
The 10 major phyla in the animal kingdom include Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Chordata, and Coelenterata.
What is its classification in the animal kingdom?
The classification in the animal kingdom follows a hierarchy: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species.
What is Classification of Animal Kingdom?
The classification of the animal kingdom involves organizing animals into hierarchical categories based on shared characteristics, starting from Domain down to Species.
What are the characteristics of the phylum Arthropoda?
Arthropoda is characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented body, and jointed appendages. This phylum includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.
How do animals in the phylum Mollusca differ from those in the phylum Annelida?
Mollusca includes animals with soft bodies, often protected by a hard shell (e.g., snails, clams), while Annelida consists of segmented worms like earthworms and leeches.
