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Class XI · Chapter 11 · Walkthrough

Animalia — the major phyla

01 · The phyla

Nine major phyla

From the simplest sponges to the chordates (which include us), animals are grouped into phyla by their body plan. The arthropods are by far the largest. ▶ Play to meet each phylum.

02 · Symmetry

Three body symmetries

A key sorting feature is symmetry: none (a sponge), radial (a jellyfish — identical all the way round) or bilateral (a left side that mirrors the right — most animals, including you). ▶ Play.

🔬 Animal viewerphyla
Tour the major animal phyla.