8 Major Animal Phyla
by: Chloe, Cameron and Lexie
Phylum Porifera
This phylum consists of sponges. Examples of sponges are Glass sponges, Demospongiae and Calareous.
Phylum Cnidara
This phylum is jellyfish, hydra and coral. Examples of the different animals in this phylum are Box jellyfish, Brain coral, Fire coral and Beadlet anemones.
Phylum Platyhelminthes
This phylum is worms that are flat like tape worms. To be in this phylum there must be a line of symmetry down the back of the body, soft body, no internal body cavity and much more.
Phylum Nematoda
This phylum is other types of worms that are round. For an example Ascareis or Trichinella.
Phylum Annelida
Worms that are segmented like earthworms and leeches. These feed a wide range of animals and live in most environments.
Phylum Mollusca
This phylum is filled with shelled animals. For an example clams and snails, but it also includes octopus and squids who no longer have shells.
Phylum Arthropoda
This is animals with joint legs and exoskeletons. For an example it includes all insects, spiders, crabs and lobsters
Phylum Echindermata
This phylum is starfish. Examples of starfish are Leather stars, Morning sun stars and sunflower stars.
Phylum Chordata
This phylum is filled with fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This includes humans.