1.

Introduction:
o Kingdom Animalia consists of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophic, lack cell walls,
and exhibit movement at some stage of life.
o Animals are classified based on various criteria like symmetry, body organization, and modes of
reproduction.

2. Classification of Animals:
o Animals are classified into two major groups: Invertebrates (lack a backbone) and Vertebrates (possess
a backbone).

3. Basis of Classification:
o Symmetry:
 Radial Symmetry: Body is symmetrical along any plane passing through the central axis (e.g., sea
anemone).
 Bilateral Symmetry: Body has a definite left and right side, mirror images of each other (e.g.,
humans).
o Body Layers:
 Animals can be diploblastic (two germ layers: ectoderm and endoderm) or triploblastic (three
germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).
o Coelom:
 Coelom is a fluid-filled body cavity. Animals are classified as coelomates (have a true coelom),
pseudocoelomates (have a pseudocoelom), or acoelomates (lack a body cavity).

4. Phylum Classification:
o The kingdom is divided into several phyla, each with distinct characteristics:
 Porifera: Simplest animals, asymmetrical, porous bodies (e.g., sponges).
 Cnidaria: Radial symmetry, two body layers, and cnidocytes (e.g., jellyfish, corals).
 Platyhelminthes: Bilateral symmetry, acoelomates, flat bodies (e.g., flatworms).
 Nematoda: Bilateral symmetry, pseudocoelomates, round bodies (e.g., roundworms).
 Annelida: Bilateral symmetry, coelomates, segmented bodies (e.g., earthworms).
 Arthropoda: Bilateral symmetry, exoskeleton, segmented body, jointed appendages (e.g.,
insects, spiders).
 Mollusca: Soft bodies, bilateral symmetry, coelomates, most have a hard shell (e.g., snails,
octopuses).
 Echinodermata: Radial symmetry (in adults), coelomates, spiny skin (e.g., starfish, sea urchins).
 Chordata: Bilateral symmetry, coelomates, possess a notochord at some stage (e.g., fish, birds,
humans).

5. Features of Vertebrates:
o Vertebrates are classified into five major classes based on characteristics like body temperature
regulation, reproduction, and habitat:
 Pisces (Fishes): Aquatic, cold-blooded, gills for respiration.
 Amphibia (Amphibians): Cold-blooded, live both on land and water, external fertilization (e.g.,
frogs).
 Reptilia (Reptiles): Cold-blooded, scaly skin, internal fertilization (e.g., snakes, lizards).
 Aves (Birds): Warm-blooded, feathers, lay eggs (e.g., sparrows, eagles).
 Mammalia (Mammals): Warm-blooded, have hair, live young, mammary glands (e.g., humans,
lions).

Phylum Chordata
Phylum Chordata includes animals that possess, at some stage in their life cycle, a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve
cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail. These features are key characteristics that distinguish chordates from other
phyla.

General Features of Phylum Chordata:

Notochord: A stiff, rod-like structure present during at least some stage of the animal’s life. In most vertebrates, the
notochord is replaced by the vertebral column (backbone).

Dorsal Hollow Nerve Cord: A nerve cord running along the dorsal side of the body that is hollow. It forms the brain and
spinal cord in vertebrates.

Pharyngeal Slits: These are openings in the pharynx (throat) region, which in aquatic chordates are used for filter-feeding
and gas exchange. In terrestrial chordates, these slits may become gills (in fish) or disappear during development.

Post-anal Tail: A tail extending beyond the anus, present in the embryonic stage of most chordates. It is used for
locomotion in many species.

Chordates are divided into three subphyla based on their structural characteristics.

Subphyla of Phylum Chordata:

Subphylum: Urochordata (Tunicates or Sea Squirts)

Characteristics:

Urochordates are primarily marine animals.

They possess all the chordate features (notochord, nerve cord, pharyngeal slits) during their larval stage.

The adults, however, are typically sessile (immobile) and have a sac-like body covered by a tough outer covering called a
tunic.

In adults, the notochord and nerve cord are usually absent, but they retain pharyngeal slits, which serve for filter
feeding.

Examples:

Ascidia, Salpa, Doliolum.

Subphylum: Cephalochordata (Lancelets)

These are small, marine, fish-like chordates.

They possess a notochord that extends the length of their body and is present throughout their life.

The dorsal nerve cord is also present.

They exhibit bilateral symmetry and have segmented bodies.

Cephalochordates are filter feeders and live buried in sand in shallow marine waters.

Examples:

Branchiostoma (Amphioxus), the most well-known representative of this group.

Subphylum: Vertebrata (Vertebrates)

Characteristics:

Vertebrates are the most advanced chordates with a well-developed head and a backbone (vertebral column) replacing
the notochord.

They possess a highly organized and developed nervous system, with a large brain and a well-developed sense organs.

Vertebrates are further classified into five classes, based on their characteristics such as body temperature regulation,
modes of reproduction, and habitat.

Classes of Subphylum Vertebrata:

Class Pisces (Fishes):

Characteristics:

Aquatic animals with gills for respiration.

Body is streamlined for efficient movement in water.

Cold-blooded (ectothermic).

Most fishes have fins, scales, and a lateral line system for detecting vibrations in the water.

Examples:

Cartilaginous fishes (e.g., sharks, rays) and bony fishes (e.g., goldfish, tuna).
Class Amphibia (Amphibians):

Characteristics:

Live both on land and in water (dual life).

Have moist skin and can respire through skin as well as lungs.

Cold-blooded (ectothermic).

External fertilization in most species; some exhibit metamorphosis (e.g., tadpoles to adult frogs).

Examples:

Frogs, toads, salamanders, newts.

Class Reptilia (Reptiles):

Characteristics:

Dry, scaly skin, adapted to life on land.

Cold-blooded (ectothermic).

Internal fertilization and egg-laying, with leathery or hard shells around eggs.

Have lungs for respiration.

Examples:

Snakes, lizards, tortoises, crocodiles.

Class Aves (Birds):

Characteristics:

Warm-blooded (endothermic), capable of maintaining a constant body temperature.

Have feathers and wings, adapted for flight (though some species are flightless).

Oviparous (lay eggs with hard shells).

Have a beak and a lightweight skeleton for flight.

Examples:

Eagles, sparrows, pigeons, penguins.

Characteristics:

Warm-blooded (endothermic), with a high metabolic rate.

Have hair or fur on their bodies.

Most have live young, and the young are nourished by milk produced by mammary glands.

Internal fertilization and complex brain structures.

Examples:

Humans, dogs, lions, elephants, whales.

Key Features of Vertebrates:

Endoskeleton: Internal skeleton made of bone or cartilage.

Highly developed nervous system: A large brain and spinal cord, with complex sensory organs.

Closed circulatory system: Blood is pumped through arteries and veins, with a heart as the central organ.

Sexual reproduction: Most vertebrates exhibit internal fertilization, with some exceptions in external fertilization (e.g.,
fish, amphibians).