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Difficulty: MediumHigher Invertebrates: Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Echinodermata

In higher invertebrates, distinct anatomical structures serve essential diagnostic, excretory, and locomotory functions across different animal lineages. Match each higher invertebrate phylum in Column A with its unique diagnostic structure in Column B.

  • AnnelidaMetameric nephridia arranged segmentally for nitrogenous excretion
  • MolluscaRasping chitinous structure known as a radula for feeding
  • ArthropodaChitinous exoskeleton coupled with jointed limbs
  • EchinodermataWater vascular system operating hydraulic tube feet

Answer

Annelida matches with metameric nephridia; Mollusca matches with the chitinous radula; Arthropoda matches with jointed limbs and chitinous exoskeleton; Echinodermata matches with the water vascular system operating tube feet.
Annelida correctly pairs with metameric nephridia because annelid bodies are subdivided into repeated segments containing excretory nephridia. Mollusca correctly pairs with the radula, a chitinous rasping belt used to scrape food. Arthropoda pairs with jointed appendages and a chitinous exoskeleton, which form the structural foundation of arthropod anatomy. Echinodermata pairs with the water vascular system operating tube feet, a unique hydraulic mechanism found exclusively in this phylum.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the diagnostic body arrangement and excretory organs of Annelida.
Annelids show true internal and external metamerism with paired nephridia in each segment.
Metameric nephridia are characteristic excretory structures in annelids such as earthworms.
2
Identify the unique feeding structure of Mollusca.
Molluscs feature a tongue-like chitinous organ called the radula.
The radula is an anatomical feature exclusive to the phylum Mollusca (present in most classes except Bivalvia).
3
Identify the diagnostic superficial features of Arthropoda.
Arthropods have jointed appendages and an exoskeleton containing chitin.
The name Arthropoda literally translates to 'jointed feet', which alongside the chitinous cuticle defines the phylum.
4
Identify the unique hydraulic system of Echinodermata.
Echinoderms utilize a water vascular system connected to tube feet.
The water vascular system is an enterocoelous hydraulic network unique to echinoderms.

Key Concept

Diagnostic anatomical structures of higher invertebrate phyla
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Topics

Higher Invertebrates: Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Echinodermata

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