write in details 10 phyla of non- chordata and given their characteristics, examples, diagrams.
Answers
Non-chordates are animals without a notochord – the rod-like elastic structure that supports the body. This phylum consists of a small group of worm-like, marine species with an organ-system level of organization.
Members of phylum Porifera, Coelenterata, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Hemichordata fall under Non-chordates.
The general characteristic features of Non-Chordates are:
They are cylindrical, triploblastic, coelomate, or pseudocoelomate animals.
Respiration in these animals takes place through gills, trachea or body surface.
Most of the times, sexes cannot be distinguished among the members.
Modes of reproduction involve sexual and asexual
Fertilization is external, though internal fertilization also occurs in some species.
The body of non-chordates generally includes an open type of circulatory system.