Question

A marine biologist has dredged up an unknown animal from the seafloor. Describe some of the characteristics that could be used to determine the animal phylum to which the creature should be assigned. You should discuss at least five traits that you would use to classify this animal and how you would use those traits.

Answer 1

The first thing to look at would be type of symmetry the organism exhibits. If it is asymmetrical then it would be a sponge and the discovery could stop right there. If not, other characteristics need to be investigated.

Knowing the type of body cavity this organism has would be helpful.

It would also be beneficial to know what type of skeleton (endo or exo) this organism has and what its appendages look like.

Finally, the type of digestive tract and the presence or absence of a head would help to determine what this creature is.