Jointed appendages are characteristic of phylum

Options

A. Echinodermate
B. Annelida
C. Mollusca
D. Arthropoda.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks which phylum has jointed appendages as a characteristic feature. The options provided are echinodermata, annelida, mollusca, and arthropoda.

2. **Analyzing Each Phylum:**
- **Echinodermata:** This phylum includes organisms like starfish and sea urchins. They have tube feet and a water vascular system but do not have jointed appendages.
- **Annelida:** This phylum includes segmented worms. They have lateral appendages known as parapodia but these are not jointed.
- **Mollusca:** This phylum includes snails, clams, and squids. Their bodies are covered by a mantle and they do not possess jointed appendages.
- **Arthropoda:** This phylum includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. They are characterized by having jointed appendages, which are modified for various functions such as walking, swimming, and feeding.

3. **Identifying the Correct Phylum:**
Based on the analysis, the phylum that possesses jointed appendages is **Arthropoda**. The term "arthropod" itself means "jointed feet" (from Greek "arthro" meaning joint and "poda" meaning foot).

4. **Conclusion:**
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **Arthropoda**.

**Final Answer:**
Jointed appendages are characteristic of phylum **Arthropoda**.

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