BIOLOGY SIMPLIFIED TAMIL APPAnimal Kingdom

4.1 Basis of Classification 4.2 Classification of Animals

4.1 BASIS OF CLASSIFICATION

Organisms (animals) can be classified on the basics of various different categories such as:

Cellular level
 Arrangement of cells in form of house cell aggregates.
 Some division of labour occurs among cells.
e.g. Porifera

Tissue level
 Cells performing same function are arranged in the form of
tissues.
e.g. Coelenterates

Organ level
 Tissues are grouped together to form organs – each specialized
for a particular function.
(A) Levels of e.g. Platyhelminthes.
Organisation

Organ system level

 Organs are associated to form functional systems, each
concerned with a specific physiological function. E.g. Annelids.
 In different groups of animals, organ systems exhibit various
patterns of complexities.
 e.g. Platyhelminthes have incomplete digestive systems they
have only a single opening to the outside of the body which
serves as both mouth and anus whereas some organisms
(Echinoderms) have two openings i.e. mouth and anus and ths,
their digestive system is complete.
 Similarly, circulatory system in some organisms is of open type
as the blood pumped out of the heart and the cells and tissues are
directly bathed in it and in some organisms the circulatory
system is of closed type as the blood is circulated through a
series of vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries).
Smart tip - 1

I. Phylacoelenterate and ctenophore have tissue level body organization.

II. Organ level body organization is seen only in the members of phylum platyhelminthes.
III. Phylum Aschelminthes onwards all phyla have organ system level body organization.

(B) Symmetry

Asymmetrical Radially Symmetrical Bilsaterally Symmetrical

Any plane that passes
through the centre does not
divide the body into equal
halves.
e.g. Sponges
Any plane passing through
the central axis of the body
divides the body into 2
equal halves.
e.g. Coelenterates,
Ctenophores, Echinoderms
Body can be divided into 2
equal halves (right and left)
through one plane only.
e.g. Annelids, Arthropods,
etc.

SMART CODE - 1

Symmetry in various organisms:

Pooja Ate Chicken Chilly, Russian Salad and Prawns Thai Curry with Butter roti.

P – Porifera,
( A – Asymmetry, C – Cocelenterata, C – Ctenophora, R – Radial Symmetry,

P – Platyhelminthes, T – To, C – Chordates, B – Bilateral Symmetry

 ( C ) On the basis of germ layers

Diploblastic Triploblastic
Animals with two embryonic layers: outer Animals with three germ laters: outer
ectoderm, inner endoderm; and ectoderm, middle mesoderm and inner
intermediate- layer (undifferentiated) endoderm. E.g. Platyhelminthes to
between the two is mesoglea, e.g. Chordates.
Coelenterates, Ctenophores

Smart tip - 2
Only members of phyla Coelenterata and Ctenophora are diploblastic. Phylum Platyhelminthes
onwards the members of all phyis are triploblastic.

(D) On the basis of body cavity

Cavity between body wall and gut wall, lined by
mesoderm

Acoelomates Pseudocoelomates Coelomates

Body cavity/coelom is absent Scattered pouches of Animals with true coelom

mesoderm are present
e.g. Platyhelminthes,
between ectoderm and
Ctenophora, Coelenterata
endoderm.
are called coelomates.
e.g. Annelids, Molluscs,
Arthropods, Echinoderms,
Hemichordates and
Chordates

e.g. Aschelminthes. Sectional view of coelomate

Smart tip - 3

Coelomates are also known as eucoelomates and phylum Annelida onwards all phyla are
coelomates Annelids are the first animals to have true coelom.

(E) On the basis of Segmentations

Body is externally and internally divided into segments with a serial repetition of atleast some
organs. This phenomenon is called metamerism.

e.g. Earthworm’s body shows metameric segmentation.

Smart tip - 4

Annelids, arthropods and chordates show true segmentation.

(F) On the basis of Notochard:

In some animals, a rod-like structure derived mesodermally id formed on the dorsal side during
embryonic development. This structure is called as notochord.

Non-Chordates Chordates
Animals which do not possess notochord. Animals which possess notochord.
e.g. Porifera Echinoderms

4.2 CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMALS

Non-chordates include following phyla:

i. Prifera ii. Cnidaria iii. Ctenophora iv. Plantyhelminthes

v. Aschelminthes vi. Anelida vii, Arthropoda viii. Mollusca
ix. Echinodermata
I. Phylum: Porifera (Pori=pores, Pherein=bearing); (Commonly known as sponges)

Special I. Presence of minute pores called ostia (inlet) through which water
features enters into a central cavity – spongocoel from where it goes out
through osculum (outlet). This pathway of water known as canal
system helps in food gathering, respiratory exchange and removal
of waste.
II. Choanocytes / collar cells line the spongocoel and the canal.
III. Most primitive multicellular animals.
IV. Body supported by skeleton made p of spicules ar sponging fibres
 Level of Cellular level
organization
Body Asymmetrical
symmetry
Habitat Mostly marine, some are fresh water.
Circulation Water enters through ostia into spongocoel and comes out through
osculum. This water transport pathway is called system.
Digestion Intracellular
Reproduction They are hermaphrodite i.e. eggs and sperms are produced by same
individual.
Asexual reproduction takes place by fragmentation.
Sexual reproduction takes place by formation of gametes.
Fertilization – internal
Development – indirect; larval stage is morphologically distinct from
adult.
Examples Sycon – Scypha, Spongilla – Fresh water sponge, Euspongia – Bath
sponge.

Sycon Spongilla Euspongia

ii. Phylumm Cuelenterata / (Cnidaria (Cuel – cavity, enter=gut/intestine, ata=group)

General i. They have two basic body forms – polyp and medusa
characters
Cnidarians
Exhibit two basic body forms

Polyp Medusa
 Sessile  Free – swimming
 Cylindrical body  Umbrella shaped
 e.g. Hydra, Adamsia  e.g. Aurelia
I. Presence of cnidocytes or cnidoblasts (which contain stinging
capsules or nematocysts) on tentacles and body for anchorage,
defense and capturing prey.
II. They have gastro – vascular cavity with a singly opening called
hypostome.
 III. Exhibit metagenesis i.e. alternation of generation during which
polyps produce medusa asexually and medusa produce polyps
sexully e.g. Obelia

Level of Tissue level

organization
Body Radial symmetry
symmetry
Germinal Diploblastic
layers
Body Absemt
Coelom
Habitat Aquatic, mostly marine but some live in fresh water like Hydra.
Digestion Extracellular and intracellular
Examples Physalia – Portugueses man – of- war, Adamsia –Sea anemone,
Pennatula – Sea –pen, Gorgonia – Sea-fan, Meandrina _ Brain coral,
Aurelia – Jelly fish
iii. Phylum Ctenophora: Commonly known as ‘sea walnuts or comb jellies’

Special I. Body bears eight rows of ciliated comb plates, which aids in
features locomotion.
II. Bioluminescence (property of an organism to emit light) is a defined
feature of ctenophores.
Level pf Tissue level
organization
Body coelom Absent
Body Radially symmetry
symmetry
Germinal Diploblastic
layers
Digestion Both intracellular and extracellular
Habitat Exclusively marine
Reproduction I. Sexes are not separate
II. Reproduction takes place by sexual means only
III. Fertilization is external
IV. Development is indirect.
Examples Ctenoplana and Pieurobrachia
 Pleurobrachia

iv. Platyhelminthes (Platy – flat, Helminthes= worms): Also known as flatworms.

Special I. Dorsoventrally flattened body

features II. Presence of hooks and suckers in parasitic forms
III. Some members like Planaria possess high regeneration capacity.
IV. Respiratory, circulatory and skeletal system absent.
Level of Organ level
organization
Body Bilaterally symmetrical
symmetry
Germinal Triploblastic
layers
Coelom Acoelomate
Habitat Mostly live as endoparasites in animals including human beings.
Mode of Some of them absorb nutrients from the host directly through their
nutrition body surface
Excretion and Takes place through specialized cells called flame cells.
osmoregulation
Reproduction I. Sexes are not separate
II. Fertilization is internal
III. Development is indirect through many larvalstages
Examples Fasciola – Liver fluke, Taenia – Tapeworm, Planaria

Liver fluke Taenia

Smart tip - 5
All invertebrates up to phylum Plathelminthes (flatworms) lack coelom and hence are as
acelomates.
Phylum Plathelminthes onwards all triploblastic.

v. Phylum : Aschelminthes (Askes=sac / bladder, helminthes=worms): Also

(called as Nemathelminthes)

Special I. Body is circular, on taking cross section and hence they are called
features as roundworms.
 II. Body is cylindrical, unsegmented, tapering at both ends.
III. Sexual dimorphism is observed; Male is smaller than female.
Habitat They may be free-living, aquatic and terrestrial or parasitic in plants
and animals.
Level of Triploblastic
organization
Germinal Organ system level
layers
Body coelom Pseudocoelomate
Body Bilaterally symmetrical
symmetry
Digestive Alimentary canal is complete and with a well-developed muscular
system pharynx.
Excretory Excretory tube removes body waste from body cavity through
system excretory pore
Reproduction Sexes are separate (dioceous)
Fertilization is internal
Development is direct or indirect.
Examples Ascaris (Round worm), Wuchereria (Filarial worm), Ancylostoma
(Hookworm)

Smart tip - 6

Phylum Axchelminthes is the only phylum with pseudocoelomate animals.

vi. Phylum: Annelids (annulus – little ring)

Soecuak They exhibit metamerism

featyres First animals to have true coelum
Level of Organ system level
organization
Body symmetry Bilaterally symmetrical
Body coelom Coelomate
Germinal layers Triploblastic
Habitat Can be aquatic (marine or fresh water) or terrestrial, free living or
parasitic
Respiration By body wall
Circulation Closed circulatory system
Locomotion With the help of longitudinal and cicular muscles; Parapodia (lateral
appendages) in aquatic annelid helps in swimming. e.g. Nereis.
Neural system Consists of paired ganglia connected by laterial nerves to a double
ventral nerve cord.
Excretion and Nephridia (sing. Nephridium)
Osmoregulation
 Reproductions a. Reproduction sexual
b. Nereis is dioecious
c. Earthworms and leeches are momoecious.

Examples Nereis, Pheretima (Earthworm) and Hirtudimaria (Blood sucking

leech)

Nereis Hirubinaria

vii. Phylum Arthropoda (Arthros –joint, poda – limp/foot): it is the largest phylum
of Kingdom Animalia as pit pf tjtpta; s[ecoes pm eartj, over two – thirds are
arthropoda; It includes insects.

Special I. Exoskeletonis chitinous

features II. Body consists of head, thorax and abdomen
III. Sensory organs like antennae, eyes, statocysts or balance organs
are present.
IV. They have segmented body
V. Animals with jointed appendages
Level of Organ system level
organization
Body Bilateral symmetry
symmetry
Body Coelom Coelomate
Germinal Triploblastic
layers
Respiration Tracheal system or book lungs, gills, book gills
Circulation Open circulatory system
Excretion Through Malpighian tubules
Reproduction i. Mostly dioecious ii. Fertilization is internal
iii. Mostly oviparous iv Development is direct or
indirect
Examples Economicll important insects:
Apris – Honey Bee, Bompyx – Silkworm, Laxxifer – Lav insect
Vectors: Mosquitoes – Anopheles, Culex and Acdes
Gregarious Pest: Limulus (King crab)
Living Fossil: Limulus (King crab)
Other examples: Lobster, Shrimp, Centipede, Mullipede, Spider,
Cockroach. Scorpion, Prawn, Butterfly
viii. Phylum Mollusca (Sofy bodied animals): Second largest animal phylum.

Special Body is unsegmented with distinct head, muscular foot, visceral

features hump
Body covered by a calcareous shell
Presence of mantle cavity between the hump and mantle, which
shows presence of feather like gills
Head bears mouth, eyes and sensory tentacles
Mouth contains a file-like rasping organ for feeding called radula.
Level of Organ system level
organization
Body Bilateral symmetry
symmetry
Body Cuelom Coelomate
Germinal Triploblastic
layers
Reproduction i. They are dioecious ii. They are oviparous.
iii. Fertilization is external or internal iv. Development is
indirect
Locomotion By means of muscular foot.
Respiration By gills (or cteridia)
Excretion Organ of Bojanus or metanephridia
Habitat Terrestrial or aquatic (marine or fresh water)
Examples Pila – Apple snail, Pinctada – Pearl oyster, Sepia – Cuttlefish,
Loligo – Squid, Octopus – Devil Fish, Aplysia – Sea-hare,
Dentallium – Tsk shell, Chaetopleura - Chiton

ix. Phylum Echinodermata (Echinos=; derma = skin); Known as spiny bodied

animals

Special Endoskeleton consists calcareous plates called ossicles

features
Level of Organ system level
organization
Body Radial symmetry
symmetry
Body Cuelom Coelomate
Germinal Triploblastic
layers
Habitat Exclusively marine
Digestive Consists of mouth on lower (ventral) side and anus on the upper
system (dorsal) side
 Excretory Absent
system
Reproductive ii. Sexes are separate.
system iii. Sexual mode of reproduction
iv. Fertilization is external
v. Development is indirect through free-larval forms

Examples Asterias – Starfish, Echinus – Sea urchin, Antedon – Sea lily,

Ccumaria – Sea cucumber, Ophiura – Brittle star

Asteria Ophiura

CAUTION

Echinoderms exhibit radial or bilateral symmetry depending on the stage. Larval forms
are bilaterally symmetrical whereas adults are radially symmetrical.

x. Phylum Hemichordata (Hemi = half; Chordata – red):

 Hemichordata was earlier considered as subphylum under Chordates, but now a
separate phylum under Non chordates.
 Phylum consists of a small group of worm-like animals

Special features I. Soft bodied, cylindrical, worm-like with proboscis present

anteriorly, a collar and a long trunk
II. Rudimentary structure in collar region called stomochored, a
structure similar to notochord.
Level of Organ system level
organization
Body symmetry Bilaterally symmetrical
Body Cuelom Coelomate
Germinal Triploblastic
Layers
Habitat Marine
Respiration Through gills
Circulation Open circulatory system
Excretion By means of proboscis gland
Reproduction i. Sexes are separate ii. Fertilization is external
iii. Development is indirect
Coelenterata ctenophora Platyhe AAschelm Annelida Arthr Mollusca Echino Hemicho
lminthe in-thes opoda dermata rdata
s
Cnidaria Comb jellies/ Flatwor Nemathel Segmente Soft Spiny Acorn
sea walnuts ms min-thes d worms bodied bodied worms
Examples

or animals animals
Roundwor
ms
Aquatic; Exclusively Mostly Free living Aquatic or Omni Aquatic Exclusi Exculsiv
mostly marine endopar aquatic, terrestrial, presen or vely ely
marine astites, terrestrial, free t terrestria marine marine
few free parasitic living, l
living some are
parasitic
Tissue Tissue Organ Organ Organ Organ Organ Organ Organ
level system system syste system system system
m
Balanoglossus, Saccoglossus

Diploblastic Diploblasitic Triplob triploblast Triploblas Triplo Triplobla Triplobl

lastic ic tic blastic stic Triplob astic
lastc
Radial Radial Bilatera Bilateral Bilateral Bilate Bilateral Larva – Bilateral
l ral Bilatera
l, Adult
–
Balanoglossus

Radial
Acoelomate Acoelomate Acoelo Pseudocoe Coelomat Coelo Coeloma Cpe;p,a Coeloma
mate lomale e mate te te te

Absent Absent Absent Absent Present Prese Absent Absemt Absent

nt
Crenephora Platyhelmi Aschelm Annelid Arthropoda Meilusea Echinodermata Hemicho
nthes inthes rdata Character – Porifera
lstics
Absent Absent Absent Closed Open type Open type Water vascular Open
type system type

Absent Absent Absent Absent Gills, book Gills in Water vascular Gills
Also known Sponges
gills, book mantle system as
lungs or cavity
tracheal
system

Extra cellular Absorptio Complet Complete Complete Complete Complete with Complet Level Aquatic;
and n through e digestive digestive digestive mouth on e of mostly
intracellular body alimentar System System System, ventral and anus digestive
organization marine,
surface y canal mouth on dprsa; sode; system
with well contain Water vasci;ar few fresh
develope rasping suste, je;[s om water
d organ ca[tiromg amd
muscular called transporting Habitat Celllar
pharynx radula food

- Protoneph Exeretor Nephridia Malpighian Metanephr Water vascular Probosci

ridia or y tube tubules idia system s gland
flame cell and pore (Organ of Excretory Number of
Bojanus) system absent germ layer

Eight external Body Body Longitudi Jointed legs Muscular Tube feet -
rows of cilia muscles Muscles nal and and presence Foot Symmetry Asymme
known as circular of wings trical
muscles
Biolminese Dorsovent Muscular Nephridia, Jointed Presence Spiny skeleton, Worm-
ence, comb rally pharynx, parapodia, appendages, of Radula, water vascular like body
plates for flattened Often neural Malpighian calcareous system with
locomotion body, worm system tubules, shell proboscis Coelom absent
suckers shaped with sensory , collar
and hooks ganglia, organs and and
for metameric eyes, trunk.
attachment segmentati antennae, Segmentation Absent
on chitinous
exoskeleton
 cellular and
Coelenterat

nematocyst
intracellula

Porous body, Cnidoblast

free living
sedentary,
diffusion

Medusa-
Simple
Absent

Absent

Polyp-
Extra

or
a

porous body,
cellular body
canal system,
canal system

organization
Intracellular

Sedentary
transport/

transport/
Porifera

Absent

Absent

Water

water
Locomotion
Characterist

Respiration
Circulatory

Excretion
Digestion

features
Special
system

system
ics

[Note: Molluscs have open circulatory with a few exceptions such as Squid and Octopus
which possess a closed circulatory system]
Phylum Chordata
 Presence of notochord
 Dorsal hollow single nerve cord
 Bilaterally symmetrical, coelomate, triploblastic, organ system level of body organization
 Pharynx perforated with paired gill slits on the lateral sides of the pharynx
 Heart is ventral
 Closed Circulatory system
 Possesses a post anal part (tail)

Sulphylum

Urochordata/ Tunicata Cephalochordate (Cephalo=head; Vertebrata

(Uros-tail; chorda-red; ata- chorda=red; sta=group)
group)  Triploblastic, bilateral
 They are known as lancelets. symmetry
 They are marine.
 Notochord extends through  Endoskeleton – cartilage and
 Notochord present in
entire length f the body and bones.
tail of larva and
present throughour the life.  Exoskeleton – scales,
disappears in adult.
feathers, hair
 e.g. Salpa, Doliolum,  e.g. branchiostoma –
 Notochord present during the
Ascidia (Amphioxus or Lancelet) embryonic period which gets
replaced by cartilaginous or
bony vertebral column in the
adult
 All chordates are not
vertebrates but all vertebrates
Agnatha
Ascidia Gnathostomata are chordates.
 Mouth has jaws.  Apart from basic chordate
 Mouth without jaws.
 Embryonic notochord is characters, vertebrates have
replaced by vertebral column. ventral muscular heart with
Superclass Superclass two, three or four chambers,
Pisces Tetrapoda  Paired fins or limbs kidney for excretion and
Cyclostomata osmoregulation, paired
 CAUTION
ALL Vertebrates are Chordates but all Chordstes are not Vertebrates.
Presence of notochord is a characteristic feature of all Chordates but the Members of sub phylum
Vertebrata possess notochord only during embryonic stages of development. This notochord is
replaced by vertebral column in the adult stage of vertebrates. Thus, notochord is absent in adult
stages of vertebrates.

Superclass Pisces

Chondrichthyes
(Chondron =cartilage; ichthyes=fish)
 They are predaceous. Notochord is present
throughout life.
 Habitat: Marine
 Body: Streamlined
 Endoskeleton: Cartilaginous
 Mouth: Located ventrally
 Poikilothermic
 Exoskeleton: Formed of minute placoid
scales present. Teeth are modified placoid
scales and are backwardly directed.
 Respiration: Fill slits are present separately
and without operculum (gill cover)
 Air bladder is absent, so they have to swim
continuously to avoid sinking.
 Circulation: Closed type, Heart is 2
chambered (1 auricle and 1 ventricle)
 Reproduction: Sexes are separate. In males,
pelvic fin bears claspers, fertilization is
internal and many are viviparous.
 Examples: Scoliodon – Dogfish, Torpedo
(have electric organs) – Electric ray, Trygon
Osteichthyes
(Osteon=bone; ichthes=fish)
 Swim in water with the help of fins.
 Habitat: Both marine and freshwater.
 Body: Streamlined
 Endoskeleton : Bony
 Mouth: Located terminally
 Poikilothermic
 Exoskeleton: Formed of dermal cycloid /
ctenoid scales
 Respiration: 4 pairs of gills which are
covered by an operculum on each side.
 Air bladder is present which regulates
buoyancy.
 Circulation: Closed type, heart is 2
chambered. (1 Auricle and 1 ventricle)
 Reproduction: Sexes are separate
 Fertilization is external,
 Mostly oviparous,
 Development –Direct
 Examples: Marine: Exocoetus – Flying fish,
Hippocampus – sea horse
 Fresh water: Labeo – Rohu, Catla – Katla,
 Superclass Tetrapoda is divided into four classes:
Class Amphibia (Amphi =double; blos=life)
 Habitat: Aquatic as well as terrestrial
 Most of them have two pairs of limbs. Body is divided into head and trunk. Tail may be present in some.
A tympanum represents ear. Eyes have eyelids.
 They are poikilothermic
 Exoskeleton: Skin is moist, glandular and without scales
 Endoskeleton: Bony
 Respiration: By lungs, skin and gills
 Circulation: three chambered heart (2 aruicles and 1ventricle)
 Reproduction: Sexes are separate; fertilization is external; development is indirect; they are oviparous.
 Alimentary canal, urinary and reproductive tracts open into a common chamber called cloaca which opens
to the exterior.
S
U Class Reptillia (Latin; Repre=To creep or reptum = crawl)
P
 Habitat: Mostly terrestrial
E  They are poikilothermic (Organisms whose internal temperatre varies considerably).
R  No external ear openings; tympanum represents ear; 2 pairs of limbs, make and lizard shed their scales as
C skin cast
L  Exoskeleton: Body is covered by dry and cornified skin, epidermal scales or scutes.
A  Endoskeleton: Bony
S  Circulation: Heart is three chambered with incompletely divided ventricle
S  Locomotion: Creepping or crawling
 Reproduction: Sexes are separate; oviparous; fertilization is internal, development is direct.

Class Aves
T
E  The characteristic feature of Aves is presence of feathers
T  Warm blooded or homeothermic (Body temperature remains constant)
R  Exoskeleton: Feathery, for insulation
A  Endoskeleton: Fully ossified (bony) and ling bones are hollow with air cavities (pneumatic). Skin is dry
P without glands, except the oil gland at the base of the tail; Forelimbs are modified into wings, Hindlimbs
O are with clawed digits and have scales, modified for walking, swimming or clasping tree branches
D
 Respiration – By lungs, air sacs are connected to lungs to supplement respiration
 Circulation: Heart four chambered
A
 Digestion : Digestive tract of birds has additional four chambers i.e. crop and gizzard.
 Reproduction: Sexes is separate; oviparous; Development –direct; Fertilization – internal.
 Class Examples
Amphibis Bufo – Toad, Rana – Frog, Hyla – Tree frog, Salamadra – Salamander
(Tailed amphibian) Ichthyophis – Limbless amphitian
Reptilia Chelone – Turtle, Testudo – Tortoise, Chameleon – Tree lizard, Calotes
– Garden Lizard, Crocodilus – Crocodile, Alligator –Alligator,
Hemidactylus – Wall Lizard, Poisonous snakes: Naja- Cobra,
Bangarus – Krait, Vipera - Viper
Aves Corvus – Crow, Colmba – Pigeon, Psittacula- Parrot, Struthio –
Ostrich, Pavo – Peacock, Aptenodytes – Oenguin, Neophron – Vulture
Mammalian Macrops – Kangaroo, Pteropus – Flying fox, Camelus – Camel,
Macaca – Monkey, Rattus – Rat, Canis – Dog, Felis – Cat, Elephas –
Elephant, Equas – Horse, Delphinus – Common dolphin, Panthera
tigris – Tiger, Panthera leo – Lion, Balaenoptera – Blue whale

CAUTION
I. Salamander is a tailed amphibian and Ichthyophis is a limbless amphibian.
II. Reptiles are oviparous except viper which is viviparous.
III. Reptiles usually have three chambered heart except crocodiles which have four
chambered heart.
IV. Struthio (Ostrich) is flightless bird.
V. Ornithorhynchus (Platypus) is an oviparous mammal.

Smart tip - 7
Fishes (Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes), Amphibians, Reptiles are poikilothermic, whereas
Aves (Birds)and Mammals are homeothermic.

Comparison of Chordates and Non – chordates:

 CHORDATES – VERTEBRATA

III.
IV.
V.
II.
Osteichthyes amphibians Reptiles Aves Mammals I.
No
Sr.

Aquatic – fresh and Both land and water Terrestrial (land) Aeruak (can fly, Terrestrial,
sea water except few) aquatic, aerial,
arboreal Heart
Poikilotherm Poikilotherm Poikilotherm Homeotherm Homeotherm
Gill slits
Notochord

Ctenoid/cycloid Skin- moist, without Skin-dry, cornified, Feathers on body Skin covered with
Post and tail

scales scales epidermal scales or and scales on hair/ fur

scutes hind limbs
Characters

Gills with operculum Gills, skin, lungs Lungs Lungs with air Lungs
Central nervous system

sacs
Closed type; 2 Closed type; 3 Closed type: Closed type: 4 Closed type: 4
chambered heart chambered heart Incompletel partitioned chambered heart chambered heart
3 chambered
Present
Present
Present

Ventral

(Ventricles); exception
crocodiles (4
chambered)
Swim in water by Jump, crawl, creep, 2 pairs of limbs are Forlimbs – 2 pairs of limbs –
Chordates

fins swim with the help of present; some ae modified into walking running,
2 pairs of limbs limbless wings, hind climbing,
limbs- walking, burrowing,
Dorsal, hollow and single

swimming or swimming or
clasping the tree flying
branches
Absent
Absent
Absent

Sexes separate; Sexes separate; Sexes separate; Sexes separate; Sexes separate;
claspers absent; external fertilization; Fertilisation- internal; Fertilisation- Fertilisation –
Oviparous; Oviparous; Oviparous; internal; internal;
Fertilisation – Development is Development – direct Oviparous; Viviparous –
Dorsal (if present)

external; direct or indirect Development – except Platpus,

Development – direct direct Development-
Non-chordates

Air bladder present; Body divisible into Epidermal scales or Pneumatic or direct
Presence of
Ventral, solid and double

Operculum present head and trunk. Tail scutes Snakes, lizards hollow bones; mammary gland;
may be present in shed their scales as skin Presence of Skin covered with
some; Presence of cast; Presence of feathers and hair/fur; Presence
cloaca; Presence of tympanum as ear. wings; of pinnae;
tympanum as ears. Homeotherms; Homeotherms.
Lungs with air
 Characteristics Chondrichthyes

‘
Habitat Marine - aquatic

Body Poikilotherm
temperature
Exoskeleton Placoid scales
and skin

Respiration Gills without

operculum
Heart and Closed type: 2
circulation chambered heart

Locomotion Swim in water by

fins

Reproduction Sexes – separate:

Males bear
claspers;
Viviparous;
Fertilisation-
internal
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Distinctive Some have electric

feature organs – Torpedo;
Some have poison
sting- Trygon;
Claspers present.