Animalia

Key Notes:

Introduction to Kingdom Animalia:

  • Animalia is one of the five kingdoms in the classification system of living organisms.
  • Organisms in this kingdom are multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic.
  • They lack cell walls, which distinguishes them from plants and fungi.

Characteristics of Animalia:

  • Body Structure: Animals have organized tissues, organs, and systems.
  • Nutrition: Heterotrophic, relying on other organisms for food.
  • Reproduction: Most animals reproduce sexually, though some can reproduce asexually.
  • Movement: Most animals exhibit some form of movement, using specialized structures like muscles or cilia.
  • Nervous System: Many animals have a well-developed nervous system for coordination.

Classification of Animalia:

Divided into vertebrates (with a backbone) and invertebrates (without a backbone).

Major Phyla:

  • Porifera: Sponges, simple organisms with pores.
  • Cnidaria: Jellyfish, coral, and sea anemones; have stinging cells.
  • Platyhelminthes: Flatworms; simple, unsegmented worms.
  • Nematoda: Roundworms; cylindrical and unsegmented.
  • Annelida: Segmented worms like earthworms and leeches.
  • Arthropoda: Insects, spiders, and crustaceans; have an exoskeleton and jointed appendages.
  • Mollusca: Snails, octopuses, and clams; soft-bodied, often with shells.
  • Echinodermata: Starfish and sea urchins; radial symmetry and spiny skin.
  • Chordata: Animals with a notochord, including all vertebrates.

Adaptations:

Animals are adapted to diverse habitats (terrestrial, aquatic, aerial, etc.).

Examples include:

  • Camouflage for hiding from predators.
  • Locomotion suited for their environment (e.g., swimming, flying).

Importance of Animalia:

  • Ecological Balance: Animals play crucial roles in food chains and ecosystems.
  • Economic Importance: Source of food, clothing, and labor (e.g., milk, meat, wool).
  • Scientific Study: Understanding animals helps in medical research and conservation efforts.

Examples:

  • Invertebrates: Earthworms, butterflies, jellyfish.
  • Vertebrates: Humans, birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals.

Conservation of Animalia:

  • Protecting animal habitats to prevent extinction.
  • Reducing human activities like deforestation, pollution, and poaching.

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