Classification of animal kingdom

Only around 15% of the estimated 8.7 million species are known to man, according to scientists. This means that over 85% of species have yet to be found. In the Animal Kingdom, there are only roughly 953,434 species of animals. Let’s have a look at how animals are classified.

Classification of Animals Kingdom

Animal classification allows us to better grasp their qualities and distinctions from other organisms. Animals are the most well-known organisms. They are classified as part of the Kingdom Animalia, sometimes known as the Animal Kingdom, in scientific terms. Let’s find out more about this well-known Kingdom.

Kingdom-Animalia

Animal Kingdom

Kingdom Animalia includes species ranging in complexity from the simplest to the most complex. The microscopic creatures are at one end of this animal classification. On the other hand, you see animals that you are likely to encounter in your everyday life. For example, you and your buddies are members of the Animal Kingdom. This vast domain includes your beloved dog, bird, cat, and even those bothersome insects you encounter in the garden.

Eukaryotic creatures are all organisms that belong to this Kingdom, according to science. They’re all multicellular, with a lot of cells. The cells are devoid of cell walls. Another distinguishing aspect is that they consume in a heterotrophic mode, which means they cannot produce their own food.

The Different Phyla

Kingdom Animalia is a classification system for animals. It’s further subdivided into many phyla. These are simply classifications that group together creatures or species that share similar traits. Aside from the Animal Kingdom’s key distinguishing qualities (eukaryotic, multicellular, without a cell wall, and heterotrophic), each phylum comprises species with similar characteristics. They progress from the simplest to the most complicated on the animal classification chart.

The following are the several phyla used to classify animals:

Phylum Porifera

These are the most basic multicellular animals, mostly found in marine environments. Pores can be found all over the body of these species. They have a canal system that allows water, food particles, and oxygen to circulate. Tissue differentiation and division are modest in the body design. Spongilla, Sycon, and other forms are commonly referred to as Sponges.

Phylum Coelenterata

These organisms have a more differentiated body. They are aquatic creatures. A sac-like compartment exists within the body, with a single opening for ingestion and egestion. These creatures are known as diploblastic because they contain two germ layers. These creatures can be found living alone or in colonies. Jellyfish, Sea Anemone, and Hydra are some examples.

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Flatworms are the popular name for these creatures. Their bodies are dorsoventrally flattened. With three germ layers, they are the first triploblastic creatures. The body is also bilaterally symmetrical, with the same design on both the left and right halves. Flatworms can be parasitic or non-parasitic. Planaria, Liver Fluke, and Tapeworm are just a few examples.

Phylum Nematoda

These animals maintain bilateral symmetry and triploblastic nature. The body, on the other hand, is more cylindrical and has not been flattened. The coelom in the bodily cavity is not the same as the coelom in the coelom in the coelom As a result, it’s known as a faux coelom. Organs are missing, yet tissues are present. These species have a completely straight alimentary canal. The majority of the species in this phylum are disease-causing parasitic worms. Ascaris and Wucheria are two examples.

Phylum Annelida

Annelids can be found in a variety of environments, including land, fresh water, and even the ocean. They have three germ layers and a body that is bilaterally symmetrical (Triploblastic). They have a real body cavity, which is a unique trait. The body is segmented as well, with organ distinction visible. Earthworms and leeches are two examples.

Phylum Arthropoda

They are the most numerous species in the animal kingdom. This phylum contains the majority of insects. The term “Arthropoda” refers to animals with jointed legs. These creatures’ bodies are separated into three sections: head, thorax, and belly. They have a pair of compound eyes in addition to the jointed legs. The presence of an open circulatory system is another distinctive trait of these creatures. Butterfly houseflies, spiders, mosquitoes, crabs, and other insects are examples.

Phylum Mollusca

The body layers’ triploblastic nature and bilateral symmetry are also seen here. Mollusks are a diverse group that play a vital role in the environment. These creatures can be found in water environments. They might be freshwater or marine species. The body has little segmentation, and the coelomic cavity has shrunk. The anterior head, ventral muscular foot, and dorsal visceral mass are the most common divisions of the body. The animal’s mobility is aided by the foot. Snails, mussels, and octopuses are examples.

Phylum Echinodermata

Phylum Echinodermata is the next phylum in the animal categorization system. Animals with prickly skin are known as echinoderms. They only exist in a maritime environment. They are free-roaming creatures. Adults have radial symmetry, whilst larvae have bilateral symmetry. These creatures have a coelomic cavity and are triploblastic. They feature a unique water-driven tube system that aids in their movement. They have a strong exoskeleton formed of calcium carbonate as well. Starfish, sea cucumber, and sea urchin are some examples.

Phylum Protochordata

The protochordates are triploblastic and bilaterally symmetrical. They’ve got a coelom. The presence of a notochord at some point in their life cycle is a new body feature seen in these creatures. They are known as chordates because of the presence of a notochord. It is, however, sometimes rudimentary. They are only found in the sea. Herdmania and Balanoglossus are two examples.

Phylum Vertebrata

These are the most advanced creatures, with advanced traits such as a proper digestive system, circulatory system, and so on. Body tissues and organs are differentiated in a sophisticated way. These animals have an internal skeleton and a real vertebral column. The following characteristics are shared by all chordates:

• Notochord

• Dorsal Nerve Cord

• Post-anal tail

• Pharyngeal slits

The Vertebrata Phylum is divided into five classes. They are as follows:

• Pisces

• Amphibia

• Reptilia

• Aves

• Mammalia

Conclusion

In this world, there are millions of living organisms. There are even a few that have yet to be discovered. Animals, plants, microbes, and other living entities that are known to man are included in this category. They’re all really diverse. However, there are some qualities that are shared by groups of creatures, and this is what connects them.