Summary table: Animal Comparison

Function/Part

porifera

cnidaria

annelida

mollusca

arthropoda

body plan

asymmetrical,
central cavity

radial
symmetry,
gastrovascular
cavity

bilateral
symmetry,
segments,
organ systems

organ
systems,
shell
structure

organ
systems,
exoskeleton

feeding

filter feeders/
intracellular

extracellular
digestion,
paralyze prey

digestive tract,
filter feed

digestive
track,
predators

predators,
digestive
tract

respiration

diffusion

diffusion
through cell
walls

diffusion,
respiratory
system

diffusion,
gills

respiratory
system,
diffusion

circulation

diffusion

diffusion
through cell
walls

open circulatory closed

system
circulatory
system

open
circulatory
system

excretion

diffusion

diffusion
through cell
walls

diffusion,
digestive waste
out of anus

diffusion,
digestive
waste out
of anus

diffusion,
digestive
waste out
anus

response

their response
is poisonous

stinging cells,
nervous
nerve net, cells system, sense
that detect
organs
gravity and light

nervous
system, ink
sack

nervous
system,
jumping
legs

reproduction

asexually or
sexually,
internal
fertilization

sexually,
asexual,
external
fertilization

sexually,
external
fertilization

sexually,
external
fertilization

Comparison paragraphs

sexually,
external
fertilization,
hermaphrodites

Prorifera- Sponges are a good ideal habitat for marine animals such as snails, sea stars,
sea cucumbers, and shrimp. The sponge benefits relationships with bacteria, algae, and other
plant like protists. They provide the sponge with food and oxygen to the sponge, while the
sponge provides a protected area for that animal to live. Sponges have adapted to live attached
to the sea floor often meters from the surface in low-light conditions. They adapt by the spicules
acting like a lens to focus incoming light onto the cells to carry out their functions.

Cnidaria- The jump from sponge to jellyfish is a great advancement in genetics.

Cnidarians now have symmetry, nervous response, movement, and sex. The jellyfish have
developed stingers using nervous response and gonads for sexual interaction, as well as a
chloecha of sorts for breaking down food, called the manubrium. The body plan has radial
symmetry, a large body, sometimes dome shaped, and long arms for ensnaring food. The
jellyfish does not filter feed like a sponge, instead it catches food and breaks it down in its
manubrium. The jellyfish also is not asexual, it makes more of itself using male and female
gonads.

Annelida- The worms appear to be the first group of organisms to develop organ
systems. They are hermaphroditic, having both male and female sex organs. They have a full
digestive system, an open circulatory system, and a simple nervous system. Unlike Cnidaria,
worms digest their food and need a system of transport to get nutrients to all the cells. Worms
were also the first organisms with bilateral symmetry.

Mollosca- The mollusks were the first organisms to develop hard structures and
genders. Their circulatory and nervous systems are similar to Annelida, but they have hard body
structure, such as shells and pens, as well as specific reproductive systems for males and
females. You could even say that their digestive system is more advanced because they
produce enzymes to break down food. Some mollusks can even change the color of their skin
and produce ink to be used as a distraction.
Arthropoda- Insects such as grasshoppers were the first animals that had an
exoskeleton, compound eyes, and advanced movement structures, as well as advanced touch
and hearing senses. The shells of mollusks became advanced exoskeletons that moved and
protected the entire organism. They developed compound eyes which allowed for a greater
range of vision. They developed jumping legs and wings for increased ability of movement. The
senses of an insect were improved greatly through the development of antennae and compound
eyes.
1. Which region of the insects body is specialized for sensory
organs?
The grasshoppers head. It has antennae, compound eyes and a brain thingy.

2. Which region of the insects body is specialized for movement?

The thorax, which holds the walking and jumping legs and the wings.
3. What is the purpose of compound or simple eyes?
Simple eyes are made to see detail, compound eyes are made to increase the range of
vision.
4. List the grasshoppers mouthparts and their functions.
The labium grabs food, the maxilla grinds the food, the mandible swallows the food.
5. How are the ends of the legs adapted for holding onto plants?
The ends of the legs have spikes shaped like hooks to cling on to plant thingies.
6. How is the third pair of legs adapted for jumping?
The third pair is long, slender and had spring loaded tendons.
7. Describe the differences between the two pairs of wings (appearance & function)
The outer pair is to protect the inner pair, which is used for flying.
8. How does the tympanic membrane help a grasshopper?
The tympanic membrane helps a grasshopper read sound waves.
9. What system do spiracles open into on a grasshopper?
the respiratory system
10. Do all abdominal segments have spiracles? Are there any any spiracles on the
thoraic segments?
I dont know.
11. How did you determine the sex of your grasshopper?
Our grasshopper didnt have an ovipositor.
12. Explain how grasshoppers dig holes to lay their eggs.
They scoop dirt until they have a hole.