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Echinoderms are headless, brainless and ...

Echinoderms are headless, brainless and heartless, Yet they are placed at the top of invertebrates because of presence of

A

Enterocoel

B

Exclusive marine forms

C

High power of regeneration

D

Great power of reproduction.

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding Echinoderms**: Echinoderms are a group of marine animals that include starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. They are characterized by their radial symmetry and a unique water vascular system. 2. **Key Characteristics**: The question mentions that echinoderms are "headless, brainless, and heartless." This means they lack a centralized brain and heart, which are common features in many other animal groups. 3. **Importance of Body Cavity**: Despite lacking these features, echinoderms are considered to be at the top of the invertebrate classification. This is primarily due to the presence of a true coelom, specifically an enterocoel. 4. **Definition of Enterocoel**: An enterocoel is a type of body cavity that forms from the outpocketing of the embryonic gut (entron). This is different from a schizocoel, which forms through the splitting of mesoderm. 5. **Significance of Enterocoel**: The presence of an enterocoel is significant because it allows for more complex body structures and functions. It is a characteristic shared with more advanced groups like chordates. 6. **Comparison with Other Options**: - **Exclusive Marine Forms**: While echinoderms are marine, this trait is not exclusive to them and does not explain their advanced status. - **High Power of Regeneration**: While echinoderms can regenerate lost limbs, this ability is also found in other groups like cnidarians. - **Great Power of Reproduction**: Many invertebrates, including arthropods, exhibit high reproductive rates, making this option less relevant. 7. **Conclusion**: The presence of an enterocoel is the defining feature that places echinoderms at the top of the invertebrate classification, despite their lack of a head, brain, and heart. ### Final Answer: Echinoderms are placed at the top of invertebrates because of the presence of **enterocoel**. ---
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