Chapter 27, Problem 13STP

Summary Introduction

To write: the difference between characteristics of echinoderms and characteristics of organisms of a different phylum.

Introduction: There are nine major phyla in the animal kingdom. They are Mollusca, Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, and Chordata. Here we will discuss the main characteristics of echinoderms and oysters belonging to the phylum molluscs.

Explanation of Solution

Echinoderms live only in marine environments but the molluscs live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. We can see segmentation in Mollusca whereas we cannot see segmentation in echinoderms. Echinoderms are bilaterally symmetrical as larvae and radially symmetrical as an adult whereas molluscs are bilaterally symmetrical throughout their life. Echinoderms do not possess a mantle but Mollusca has a mantle.

Conclusion

Thus, this is the difference between echinooderms and molluscs.