Pearl is produced by the animals of phylum

Options

A. Annelids
B. Arthropods
C. Mollusca
D. Echinodermata

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks which phylum produces pearls.

2. **Understand the Phylum**: The phylum that produces pearls is known as Mollusca. This phylum is significant as it is the second largest phylum in the animal kingdom.

3. **Examples of Pearl-Producing Organisms**: Within the Mollusca phylum, certain organisms are known to produce pearls. Notable examples include marine oysters (such as *Pinctada vulgaris*) and freshwater mussels (like *Unio*).

4. **Mechanism of Pearl Formation**: Pearls are formed when a foreign body, such as a parasite, enters the shell of these mollusks. To protect themselves, these animals secrete layers of nacre (mother-of-pearl) around the irritant, which eventually forms a pearl.

5. **Classification of Pearl-Producing Mollusks**: The specific class within Mollusca that produces pearls is called Bivalvia. Bivalves are characterized by having two shells or valves.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that pearls are produced by animals of the phylum Mollusca.

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