Animal Kingdom-CH-5 Grade 11

Animal Kingdom: Basis of Classification
Classification is the systematic arrangement of things around us for easy identification and
study. The basis of classification can vary according to the purpose of the classification. A
biological classification generally pins out the morphological and evolutionary similarities as
its basis. Let’s go on the basis of classification of the animal kingdom in detail.
Animal Kingdom: Basis of Classification

The animal kingdom is the largest kingdom amongst the five kingdoms consisting of all
animals. Animals are multicellular eukaryotes; do not possess a cell wall or chlorophyll like
plants, and share the same mode of nutrition, that is, the heterotrophic mode. Besides these
similarities, they are also related to their cell arrangement, body symmetry, level of
organization, coelom, presence/absence of notochord, etc. Based on these features, the animal
kingdom has been classified into 10 different phyla. The different criteria for animal
classification are explained below.
1. Porifera
2. Coelenterata (Cnidaria)
3. Platyhelminthes
4. Nematoda
5. Annelida
6. Arthropoda
7. Mollusca
8. Echinodermata
9. Hemichordata
10. Chordata
Levels of Organisation
Though animals are multicellular, the level of organization of cells varies from one animal to
another. Certain animals have a loose mass of cells and show the cellular level of
organization. Such animals have been categorized into the phylum Porifera. As we move on,
the complexity of body design amplifies and the division of labour occurs among the tissues.
These animals exhibit tissue level of organisation and are classified as coelenterate. Phylum
Platyhelminthes have an organ level of organization. Non-chordates such as Annelids,
Arthropods, Molluscs, Echinoderms, and Chordates have a specialised organ system for their
physiological activities. They have the organ-system level of organisation. Although these
animals have organ systems level of organisation. The complexities of organ systems vary
and are categorised into different phyla.
Symmetry
Symmetry is defined as a balanced and proportionate similarity that is found in two halves of an
object. It means one-half is the mirror image of the other half.
Symmetry is another basis for the classification of animals. Generally, animals show two
types of symmetry-
Radial symmetry: A symmetry where any plane passing through the central axis divides the
body into two equal halves is called the radial symmetry. Examples are Coelenterates and
echinoderms.
Bilateral symmetry: In bilateral symmetry, only a single plane divides the body into two
equal halves, e.g. Annelids, Arthropods, Molluscs, etc.
However, some animals do not show any symmetry i.e. their body can’t be divided into two
halves in any plane passing through the centre. Such animals are said to be asymmetrical, e.g.
Poriferan.
Diploblastic and Triploblastic Organisation
All animals develop their tissues, organs and organ system from the cells that form the
embryonic layers. Based on the number of embryonic layers, animals are classified into two-
diploblastic and triploblastic animals.
Diploblastic animals: In diploblastic animals, the cells form two embryonic layers, i.e., an
outer layer- ectoderm and an inner layer – endoderm, e.g. Phylum Coelenterata.
Triploblastic animals: In triploblastic animals, cells are arranged in three embryonic layers-
ectoderm, endoderm and a middle layer – mesoderm. Animals belonging to Phyla
Platyhelminthes to Chordata have a triploblastic organisation.
Coelom
The coelom is a key feature for classification. The coelom is a cavity between the body wall
and gut wall, lined by mesoderm. Depending on the presence/absence of coelom, animals
have been classified into three:
Coelomate: Coelom is present in a coelomate. Animals belonging to phyla Annelida,

Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Hemichordata and Chordata are examples of
coelomates.
Pseudocoelomate: In pseudocoelomates, mesoderm appears as pouches between the

endoderm and ectoderm. But the cavity formed is not lined by mesoderm, e.g.
Aschelminthes.
Acoelomate: Coelom is absent in an acoelomate, e.g. Platyhelminthes.

Coelom Function
 Coelom works as a shock absorber and protects from any kind of mechanical shock. It gives more
flexibility to the body organs to move and protects from any damage on minor bends by
cushioning the internal organs
 The coelomic fluid acts as a hydrostatic skeleton, which helps in the locomotion of soft-bodied
animals and gives the body a definite shape. Contracting muscles can push against the coelomic
fluid because of the fluid pressure.
 The coelomic fluid also helps in gaseous transport and transport of nutrients and waste products
 Coelom gives the extra space required by organs to develop and function. E.g. pumping action of
the heart, carrying a child in the womb, etc. is possible due to coelom
Notochord
The notochord is a longitudinal, cartilaginous supporting rod running beneath the nerve cord.
The animal kingdom has been broadly classified into two, based on the presence or absence
of notochord- Non-Chordata and Chordata. Chordates possess notochord while non-chordates
lack it. Animals belonging to the Phylum Porifera to Phylum Echinoderms are non-chordates.
Notochord is a flexible rod-like structure that is found in all chordates. It is similar to

cartilage and is involved in signalling and organisation of the nervous system. The notochord
usually develops around 16 days after gastrulation from the axial mesodermal cells and is
completely formed by the end of the fourth week.
Notochord Diagram
Features
 Vertebrates possess the notochord in the embryonic stages but soon develop into a vertebral
column with intervertebral discs.
 Any animal that possesses notochord in its life are called chordates and those that do not are called
non-chordates.
 The primary function of the notochord is signalling that helps in transformation of unspecified
embryonic cells into specific tissues and organs.
 It is also involved in the development of the central nervous system. It signals and activates
proteins that induce the formation of motor neurons.
 Apart from this, the notochord gives structural support to the animal’s body. It also helps in
locomotion by the contraction of muscle fibres.
HOMEWORK AND CLASSWORK
Q1
What is a coelom?
A coelom is a fluid-filled body cavity that is completely lined by tissue created from the mesoderm, the
middle layer of the primary cells found in an embryo. It is typically found in multicellular organisms,
which are living things that have more than one cell.
Q2
What are Coelomates?

Coelomates are animals which have a coelom (body cavity) between their mesoderm and endoderm. The
mesoderm gives rise to the lining of the coelomic cavity.
Q3.Write down the characteristics of animals.
Q4.Write a note on following
a)Levels of organisations.
b)Germ layers organisation (with diagrams)
c)Coelom (with diagrams)
d)Notochord (with diagrams)

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Animal Kingdom: Basis of Classification

Animal Kingdom: Basis of Classification

object. It means one-half is the mirror image of the other half.

Coelomate: Coelom is present in a coelomate. Animals belonging to phyla Annelida,

Pseudocoelomate: In pseudocoelomates, mesoderm appears as pouches between the

Acoelomate: Coelom is absent in an acoelomate, e.g. Platyhelminthes.

Notochord is a flexible rod-like structure that is found in all chordates. It is similar to

What are Coelomates?

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