Lab #7: Introduction to the Kingdom Animalia Objectives: 1 ...

environmental constraints that led to the evolution of particular body plans and the adaptations
that certain animals evolved to survive in their environment.
In general, organisms from the kingdom Animalia are eukaryotic, multicellular, motile (at
least during certain developmental stages), heterotrophic and unlike plants, lack a cell wall.
Additionally, most animals reproduce sexually and have a characteristic pattern of embryonic
development. Similar to alternation of generations observed in previous phyla, organisms in the
Animal kingdom undergo stages of development, starting from the fusion of an egg and a sperm
and ending with a multicellular adult phase. While the morphology of the adult organism is
highly species-specific, the genes that regulate organismal development are often conserved
across species. In addition, the life cycles of members of Kingdom Animalia vary considerably,
i.e., stages may look completely different from each other (metamorphorsis), they may last for
different periods of time (hours vs. years) and can occur in different habitats (e.g. dragonflies -
adults live in air while larvae are aquatic).
NOTE: Make sure that you fully understand EVERY term used to
characterize animals because these terms will appear again in the upcoming
labs.
Task 1: Understanding Hierarchical organization of animal complexity
The table below describes the major patterns of organization of animal complexity. As you
examine the organisms today, note which level of organization is present in these animals.
1. Draw 1 organism per level of organization. The organisms that you should examine are
written in the table below. Make sure to note the Phylum, Genus and Species of the
organism that you examine.
2. Answer the questions below the table.