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What advantage does the pseudocoelomate body cavity have over that of an acoelomate?

User Sayvortana
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Final answer:

The pseudocoelomate body cavity provides a hydrostatic skeleton for support and movement, protection for internal organs, and allows for organ development and free movement within the body cavity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Advantages of Pseudocoelomate Body Cavity

The pseudocoelomate body cavity presents several advantages over an acoelomate body structure. One significant advantage is that the fluid-filled pseudocoelom allows room for the internal organs to develop and move freely, which can promote optimal organ development and placement. Moreover, this body cavity acts as a hydrostatic skeleton, providing both a rigid structure for muscles to work against and protection by cushioning internal organs. The fluid pressure within the pseudocoelom also contributes to the stiffness and support of the body, influencing the characteristic round shape of organisms like roundworms. In contrast, acoelomates lack this fluid-filled cavity and therefore, they do not have the same degree of internal support or organ protection and mobility.

Pseudocoelomates are animals with a body cavity that is not completely lined with mesodermal tissue. An example of such animals are roundworms. The cavity in these organisms is partially lined with tissue derived from the endoderm, whereas in eucoelomates, a true coelom that is fully lined with mesodermal tissue is present. This highlights how the evolution of body cavities has had a significant impact on the diversity and capabilities of the animal kingdom.

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