Animal Kingdom Classification Chart Class 11 Full Chapter 4 in Gist

The animal kingdom classification chart, or kingdom Animalia, encompasses a vast array of living organisms that share certain fundamental characteristics. All animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that primarily rely on consuming organic material for sustenance. They exhibit diverse forms and structures, ranging from simple sponges to complex mammals.

Keys to the Animal Kingdom Classification Chart:

Despite the structural and form differences among various animals, they share fundamental characteristics such as cell arrangement, body symmetry, coelom nature, and the patterns of their digestive, circulatory, and reproductive systems. These shared features serve as the foundation for the animal kingdom classification chart.

Criteria	Description	Examples
Level of Organization	The animal kingdom classification chart is based on their cellular organization: cellular, tissue, organ, and organ system levels.	Porifera (sponges) – cellular level; Cnidaria (jellyfish) – tissue level; Platyhelminthes (flatworms) – organ level; Chordata (vertebrates) – organ system level.
Body Symmetry	Symmetry refers to the arrangement of body parts around a central axis. Types include: Asymmetrical(No symmetry), Radial(Body parts arranged around a central axis), and Bilateral symmetry(Divisible into mirror-image halves).	Porifera (asymmetrical); Cnidaria (radial symmetry); Arthropoda (insects) and Chordata (mammals) – bilateral symmetry.
Germ Layers	The number of primary tissue layers during embryonic development: diploblastic (two layers) or triploblastic (three layers).	Cnidaria (diploblastic); Most other animal phyla including Chordata (triploblastic).
Body Cavity (Coelom)	The presence or absence of a body cavity between the digestive tract and body wall: Acoelomate(No body cavity), Pseudocoelomate(Partially lined cavity), and Coelomate(Fully lined body cavity).	Platyhelminthes (acoelomate); Nematoda (pseudocoelomate); Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Chordata (coelomate).
Segmentation	The division of the body into repetitive segments. In certain animals, the body is divided both externally and internally into segments, with some organs repeating in each segment. For instance, in earthworms, this pattern is known as metameric segmentation, and the phenomenon is referred to as metamerism.	Annelida (earthworms), Arthropoda (insects), Chordata (vertebrates).
Notochord	Presence of a notochord, a flexible rod that supports the body in all embryonic and some adult stages.	Chordata (vertebrates and some invertebrates like tunicates and lancelets).
Presence of a Backbone	Vertebrates possess a vertebral column, while invertebrates do not.	Vertebrates: Chordata (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals); Invertebrates: all other phyla (Arthropoda, Mollusca, etc.).
Reproductive Strategy	Mode of reproduction, including asexual (budding, fragmentation) and sexual reproduction (internal or external fertilization).	Cnidaria (both asexual and sexual); Arthropoda (mostly sexual with internal fertilization); Fish (external fertilization in many species).
Mode of Development	Developmental patterns such as direct development or indirect development (with larval stages).	Arthropoda (insects – indirect with metamorphosis); Mammals (direct development).
Thermoregulation	Mechanism to maintain body temperature: ectothermic (external sources) or endothermic (internal regulation).	Reptiles (ectothermic); Birds and Mammals (endothermic).
Habitat	The environment where animals live: terrestrial, aquatic (marine or freshwater), aerial, or amphibious.	Marine: Porifera, Cnidaria; Freshwater: Annelida; Terrestrial: Arthropoda, Mammals; Amphibious: Amphibians.

Chapter-1: The Living World

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart:

Porifera	Cellular level	Asymmetrical or radial	Acoelomate (No true body cavity)
Cnidaria	Tissue level	Radial symmetry	Acoelomate (No true body cavity)
Ctenophora	Tissue level	Radial symmetry	Acoelomate (No true body cavity)
Platyhelminthes	Organ level	Bilateral symmetry	Acoelomate (No body cavity)
Aschelminthes	Organ level	Bilateral symmetry	Pseudocoelomate (body cavity partially lined with mesoderm)
Annelida	Organ system level	Bilateral symmetry	Coelomate (true coelom fully lined with mesoderm)
Arthropoda	Organ system level	Bilateral symmetry	Coelomate (reduced in some to hemocoel)
Mollusca	Organ system level	Bilateral symmetry	Coelomate (coelom reduced around heart, nephridia, gonads)
Echinodermata	Organ system level	Radial symmetry (adults). Echinodermata exhibits radial or bilateral symmetry depending on the stage.	Coelomate (extensive coelom forming water vascular system).
Hemichordata	Organ system level	Bilateral symmetry	Coelomate (developed coelom)
Chordata	Organ system level	Bilateral symmetry	Coelomate (well-developed coelom)

Chapter-2: Biological Classification

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Porifera

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Cellular level; lacks true tissues and organs.
Body Symmetry	Asymmetrical or radial symmetry.
Body Structure	Possesses a porous body with numerous pores (ostia) allowing water to circulate through canals. Sponges possess a water transport or canal system. Water flows into the sponge through tiny pores called ostia in the body wall, enters a central cavity known as the spongocoel, and exits through a larger opening called the osculum.
Skeleton	Internal skeleton made of spicules (calcium carbonate or silica) or spongin fibers.
Feeding Method	Filter feeders; water flows through pores, trapping food particles which are then ingested by specialized cells.
Reproduction	Sexes are not separate (hermaphrodite), i.e., eggs and sperms are produced by the same individual. Can reproduce both sexually (via gametes) and asexually (budding, fragmentation).
Habitat	Mostly marine, with a few freshwater species.
Unique Cells	Choanocytes (collar cells) that create water currents and capture food particles.
Regeneration	High capacity for regeneration; can regrow from small fragments.
Ecological Role	Important in aquatic ecosystems for water filtration and providing habitat for other organisms.

Examples:

• Spongilla (freshwater sponge)
• Euplectella (Venus’ flower basket)
• Spongia (bath sponge)

Chapter-3: Plant Kingdom

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Cnidaria

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Tissue level; composed of distinct tissues but lack true organs.
Body Symmetry	Radial symmetry; body parts arranged around a central axis.
Body Forms	Two main body forms: polyp (sessile) and medusa (free-swimming).
Body Structure	Body consists of an outer epidermis and inner gastrodermis, with a gelatinous mesoglea in between.
Cnidocytes	Specialized stinging cells containing nematocysts used for defense and capturing prey.
Digestive System	Incomplete digestive system with a single opening serving as both mouth and anus, leading into the gastrovascular cavity. They have a central gastro-vascular cavity with a single opening, mouth on hypostome.
Nervous System	Simple nerve net without a central brain.
Reproduction	Both sexual and asexual reproduction. Those cnidarians which exist in both forms exhibit alternation of generation (Metagenesis), i.e., polyps produce medusae asexually and medusae form the polyps sexually (e.g., Obelia).
Lifecycle	Many cnidarians have complex life cycles involving both polyp and medusa stages.
Habitat	Mostly marine, with some freshwater species.
Ecological Role	Important in marine ecosystems; some form coral reefs that provide habitat for diverse marine life.

Watch The Video of Jelly Fish Here

Examples:

• Hydra (freshwater polyp),
• Aurelia (moon jellyfish),
• Physalia (Portuguese man o’ war),
• Acropora (stony coral)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Ctenophora

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Tissue level; composed of distinct tissues but lack organs.
Body Symmetry	Biradial symmetry; exhibits symmetry along two axes.
Body Structure	Transparent, gelatinous body with eight rows of comb plates bearing comb-like cilia (ctenes) used for locomotion. The body bears eight external rows of ciliated comb plates, which help in locomotion
Bioluminescence	Many species exhibit bioluminescence, producing flashes of light.
Digestive System	Complete digestive system with a mouth and anus.
Nervous System	Nerve net with a statocyst (balance organ) and sensory structures called tentilla for prey capture.
Reproduction	Mostly hermaphroditic; some species reproduce asexually through fragmentation or budding.
Habitat	Primarily marine, found in pelagic zones (open ocean), often near the ocean surface.
Ecological Role	Important in marine ecosystems as predators and prey, and contribute to nutrient cycling.

Examples:

• Pleurobrachia (sea gooseberry),
• Mnemiopsis (comb jelly),
• Bolinopsis (sea walnut)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Platyhelminthes

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ level; exhibit organ systems but lack a true body cavity (acoelomate).
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Flattened body with dorsoventral compression.
Digestive System	Incomplete digestive system with a single opening serving as both mouth and anus (in some species).
Nervous System	Primitive nerve cords and ganglia, lacking a centralized brain.
Reproductive Strategy	Mostly hermaphroditic, with some species exhibiting sexual reproduction, and a few reproducing asexually.
Regeneration	Remarkable regenerative abilities; capable of regrowing lost body parts.
Habitat	Found in a variety of habitats including freshwater, marine, and damp terrestrial environments.
Ecological Role	Play diverse roles as predators, scavengers, and parasites in various ecosystems.

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart is Here

Examples

• Planaria (freshwater flatworm),
• Taenia (tapeworm),
• Dugesia (planarian)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Aschelminthes

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ level; exhibit organ systems but lack a true body cavity (pseudocoelomate).
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Cylindrical body with a tapered end; often covered with a protective cuticle.
Digestive System	Complete digestive system with separate mouth and anus. Alimentary canal is complete with a well developed muscular pharynx.
Nervous System	Ganglia (clusters of nerve cells) and nerve cords, but lack a centralized brain.
Reproductive Strategy	Sexes are separate (dioecious), i.e., males and females are distinct. Varied reproductive strategies including sexual and asexual reproduction.
Habitat	Found in diverse habitats including soil, freshwater, marine, and damp environments.
Ecological Role	Fulfill various ecological roles including decomposition, nutrient cycling, and as prey for predators.

Examples

• Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode),
• Trichinella spiralis (trichinosis worm),
• Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Annelida

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; exhibit well-developed organ systems and possess a true body cavity (coelom).
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Segmented body with repeating units called segments or metameres. Aquatic annelids like Nereis possess lateral appendages, parapodia, which help in swimming.
Segmentation	Division of the body into distinct segments, each with its own set of muscles and nerves.
Body Cavity (Coelom)	Coelomate; possesses a true body cavity (coelom) completely lined with mesoderm.
Respiration	Respiration occurs through the body surface or specialized respiratory structures like gills or parapodia.
Circulatory System	Closed circulatory system with a dorsal and ventral blood vessel and lateral hearts in some species.
Excretory System	Nephridia (sing. nephridium) help in osmoregulation and excretion.
Nervous System	Well-developed nervous system with a pair of cerebral ganglia (brain) and a ventral nerve cord.
Reproduction	Most species are dioecious (separate sexes) and reproduce sexually; some exhibit asexual reproduction.
Habitat	Found in diverse habitats including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
Ecological Role	Fulfill various ecological roles including scavenging, predation, and serving as food for other organisms.

Examples

Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris), Polychaetes (marine bristle worms), Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Arthropoda

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; exhibit well-developed organ systems and possess a true body cavity (coelom).
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Segmented body covered by an exoskeleton made of chitin, providing protection and support.
Segmentation	Body divided into distinct segments, each with its own pair of jointed appendages for movement.
Exoskeleton	External skeleton molted periodically to accommodate growth (ecdysis).
Respiration	Respiratory structures vary from gills, book lungs, tracheae, to simple diffusion through the body surface.
Circulatory System	Open circulatory system with a dorsal heart and hemocoel filled with hemolymph.
Excretory System	Excretion takes place through malpighian tubules.
Nervous System	Well-developed nervous system with a dorsal brain and a ventral nerve cord.
Sensory System	Sensory organs like antennae, eyes (compound and simple), statocysts or balancing organs are present.
Reproductive Strategy	Diverse reproductive strategies including sexual reproduction with internal fertilization and external fertilization.
Habitat	Found in diverse habitats including terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and even aerial environments.
Ecological Role	Fill various ecological niches including herbivores, carnivores, scavengers, and pollinators.

Examples

• Apis (Honey bee),
• Bombyx (Silkworm),
• Laccifer (Lac insect)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Mollusca

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; exhibit well-developed organ systems and possess a true body cavity (coelom).
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Soft-bodied animals typically covered by a mantle that may secrete a protective shell made of calcium carbonate.
Shell Types	Shells may be univalve (one piece), bivalve (two pieces), or absent in some species.
Feeding Method	Various feeding methods including filter feeding, grazing, scavenging, and predation.
Radula	The radula is a rasping tongue-like organ used for feeding in most species.
Respiration	Respiration occurs through gills or body surface.
Circulatory System	Open circulatory system with a heart and hemocoel filled with hemolymph.
Nervous System	Well-developed nervous system with a pair of cerebral ganglia (brain) and a ventral nerve cord.
Reproductive Strategy	Mostly sexual reproduction with internal fertilization, but some species are hermaphroditic.
Habitat	Found in diverse habitats including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
Ecological Role	Fulfill various ecological roles including herbivores, carnivores, filter feeders, and scavengers.

Examples

• Pila (Apple snail),
• Pinctada (Pearl oyster),
• Sepia (Cuttlefish),
• Loligo (Squid),
• Octopus (Devil fish),
• Aplysia (Seahare),
• Dentalium (Tusk shell)
• Chaetopleura (Chiton)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Echinodermata

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; exhibit well-developed organ systems and possess a true body cavity (coelom).
Body Symmetry	Mostly pentaradial symmetry; body parts arranged in multiples of five around a central axis.
Body Structure	Hard, spiny endoskeleton made of calcium carbonate plates called ossicles.
Water Vascular System	Water vascular system is a Network of water-filled canals used for locomotion, feeding, respiration, and sensory perception.
Tube Feet	Tube Feets are extendable structures used for locomotion, feeding, and attachment.
Respiration	Respiration occurs through diffusion across the body surface and papulae (skin gills).
Circulatory System	Open circulatory system with a water vascular system and a ring canal around the central disk.
Nervous System	Simple nerve ring and radial nerves, with no centralized brain.
Reproductive Strategy	Mostly sexual reproduction with external fertilization; some species exhibit regeneration and asexual reproduction.
Habitat	Primarily marine, found in all ocean depths from intertidal zones to abyssal depths.
Ecological Role	Fulfill various ecological roles including predators, scavengers, and ecosystem engineers.

Examples

• Asterias (Star fish),
• Echinus (Sea urchin),
• Antedon(Sea lily),
• Cucumaria (Sea cucumber),
• Ophiura (Brittle star)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Hemichordata

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; exhibit well-developed organ systems and possess a true body cavity (coelom).
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Soft-bodied animals with a three-part body plan consisting of proboscis, collar, and trunk.
Proboscis	Anterior portion of the body used for feeding and burrowing.
Collar	Middle portion of the body containing structures involved in filter feeding and respiration.
Trunk	Posterior portion of the body containing most of the internal organs.
Gill Slits	Pharyngeal gill slits used for filter feeding and respiration.
Stomochord	Structure resembling a primitive notochord, providing support to the pharynx.
Nervous System	Simple nerve cord with ganglia, lacking a centralized brain.
Reproductive Strategy	Mostly sexual reproduction with external fertilization; some species exhibit asexual reproduction.
Habitat	Primarily marine, found in shallow coastal waters and ocean depths.
Ecological Role	Fulfill various ecological roles including filter feeders and scavengers.

Examples

• Acorn Worms (Balanoglossus),
• Pterobranchs (small, colonial organisms)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Phylum Chordata

Salient Features

Animals belonging to the phylum Chordata are fundamentally characterized by the presence of a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, and paired pharyngeal gill slits.

They exhibit bilateral symmetry, are triploblastic, and coelomate with an organ-system level of organization. Additionally, they possess a post-anal tail and have a closed circulatory system.

Examples

• Human: Homo sapiens
• Domestic Dog: Canis lupus familiaris
• African Elephant: Loxodonta africana

Classification of Phylum Chordata

Subphylum	Salient Features	Examples
Urochordata or Tunicata	Notochord is present only in larval tail,	Ascidia, Salpa, Doliolum
Cephalochordata	Notochord extends from head to tail region and is persistent throughout their life.	Branchiostoma (Amphioxus or Lancelet)
Vertebrata	Notochord present during the embryonic period. The notochord is replaced by a cartilaginous or bony vertebral column in the adult. The ventral muscular heart with two, three or four chambers, kidneys for excretion and osmoregulation and paired appendages which may be fins or limbs present.	House Sparrow: Passer domesticus Bald Eagle: Haliaeetus leucocephalus Common Ostrich: Struthio camelus

Classes of Vertebrata

Division of Vertebrata	Class
Agnatha (lacks jaw)	Cyclostomata
Gnathostomata (bears jaw)	Chondrichthyes Osteichthyes Amphibia Reptilia Aves Mammals

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Cyclostomata

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; possess a true body cavity (coelom) and a well-developed organ system.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Elongated, eel-like body with smooth, scaleless skin.
Skeleton	Cartilaginous skeleton, lacking jaws and paired fins.
Mouth	Circular, jawless mouth with keratinized teeth, adapted for suction and feeding on host’s body fluids.
Respiratory System	Multiple pairs of gill pouches for respiration.
Nervous System	Well-developed brain and sensory organs; simple vertebral column.
Reproductive Strategy	Mostly external fertilization; separate sexes; some species show a larval stage that undergoes metamorphosis.
Habitat	Marine and freshwater environments; some species are anadromous, migrating between salt and fresh water.
Feeding Habits	Parasitic or scavengers; feed on the blood and tissues of other fish or organic debris.
Ecological Role	Important in aquatic ecosystems as both predators and prey; play a role in nutrient cycling.

Examples

• Petromyzon marinus (Sea Lamprey),
• Myxine glutinosa (Atlantic Hagfish)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Chondrichthyes

Salient Features

Features	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; well-developed organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Elongated, streamlined bodies with cartilaginous skeletons.
Skeleton	Made of cartilage, which is lighter and more flexible than bone.
Jaws and Teeth	Possess well-developed jaws with multiple rows of sharp, replaceable teeth.
Respiratory System	Gills for breathing, typically five to seven pairs of gill slits. . Gill slits are separate and without operculum (gill cover).
Skin	Covered with placoid scales (dermal denticles) that reduce friction while swimming.
Fins	Paired pectoral and pelvic fins, along with dorsal, anal, and caudal fins for stability and maneuverability.
Reproductive Strategy	Internal fertilization; some species are oviparous (egg-laying), ovoviviparous (egg-hatching within the mother), or viviparous (live-bearing).
Sensory Organs	Highly developed senses including vision, smell, and electroreception (Ampullae of Lorenzini). Some of them have electric organs (e.g., Torpedo) and some possess poison sting (e.g., Trygon). They are cold-blooded (poikilothermous) animals, i.e., they lack the capacity to regulate their body temperature.
Habitat	Mostly marine, with some species found in freshwater environments.
Ecological Role	Predators and scavengers, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Examples

• Carcharodon carcharias (Great White Shark),
• Sphyrna lewini (Scalloped Hammerhead),
• Raja clavata (Thornback Ray)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Osteichthyes

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; highly developed organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Varied body shapes, typically streamlined; covered with scales.
Skeleton	Bony skeleton made of calcified bones.
Jaws and Teeth	Well-developed jaws with fixed teeth; teeth are generally not replaceable.
Respiratory System	Gills covered by a bony operculum for breathing; typically have a swim bladder for buoyancy.
Skin	Covered with overlapping scales (ctenoid or cycloid) that provide protection and reduce friction.
Fins	Paired pectoral and pelvic fins, along with dorsal, anal, and caudal fins for stability and movement.
Reproductive Strategy	Mostly external fertilization; oviparous (egg-laying), with some species showing parental care.
Sensory Organs	Well-developed senses including vision, smell, and lateral line system for detecting vibrations.
Habitat	Found in various aquatic environments, both marine and freshwater.
Ecological Role	Key role in aquatic food webs; include both predators and prey species.

Examples

• Salmo salar (Atlantic Salmon),
• Amphiprion ocellaris (Clownfish),
• Gadus morhua (Atlantic Cod)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Amphibia

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; well-developed organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Typically have moist, smooth skin without scales; undergo metamorphosis from larval to adult stage. A tympanum represents the ear.
Respiratory System	Breathe through gills (larvae), lungs (adults), and skin (cutaneous respiration).
Heart	Three-chambered heart (two atria and one ventricle).
Limbs	Usually four limbs; some species may be limbless or have reduced limbs.
Reproduction	Mostly external fertilization; lay eggs in water or moist environments.
Development	Exhibit metamorphosis; aquatic larvae transform into terrestrial or semi-aquatic adults.
Habitat	Found in both aquatic and terrestrial environments; often near water bodies.
Skin	Moist, permeable skin that allows for cutaneous respiration and must remain moist to function properly.
Ecological Role	Important in food webs as both predators and prey; indicators of environmental health.

Examples

• Rana temporaria (Common Frog),
• Ambystoma mexicanum (Axolotl),
• Bufo bufo (Common Toad)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Reptilia

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; highly developed organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Dry, scaly skin; body covered with keratinized scales or scutes.
Respiratory System	Lungs for breathing; no cutaneous respiration.
Heart	Three-chambered heart (two atria and one ventricle) with partial separation; crocodilians have a four-chambered heart.
Temperature Regulation	Ectothermic (cold-blooded); rely on external heat sources to regulate body temperature.
Reproduction	Internal fertilization; mostly oviparous (egg-laying), with some ovoviviparous and viviparous species.
Development	Direct development; no larval stage.
Skin	Dry, impervious to water, with scales or scutes that prevent desiccation.
Limbs	Usually four limbs; some species (like snakes) are limbless.
Habitat	Occupy a wide range of habitats including deserts, forests, wetlands, and oceans.
Ecological Role	Important in food webs as predators and prey; help control pest populations.

Examples

• Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator),
• Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle),
• Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Aves

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; highly developed organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Covered in feathers; forelimbs modified into wings; lightweight skeleton with air sacs for efficient flight.
Respiratory System	Highly efficient respiratory system with air sacs; unidirectional airflow through the lungs.
Heart	Four-chambered heart with complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Temperature Regulation	Endothermic (warm-blooded); able to regulate body temperature internally.
Reproduction	Internal fertilization; oviparous (egg-laying); hard-shelled eggs with amniotic membranes.
Development	Embryonic development within the egg; precocial or altricial young.
Feeding	Varied diet including seeds, fruits, insects, fish, and small mammals; specialized beaks for different feeding habits.
Habitat	Occupy diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and aquatic environments.
Ecological Role	Important in ecosystems as pollinators, seed dispersers, predators, and prey.

Examples

• Passer domesticus (House Sparrow),
• Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle),
• Struthio camelus (Ostrich)

Animal Kingdom Classification Chart: Class Mammalia

Salient Features

Feature	Salient Features
Level of Organization	Organ system level; highly developed organ systems including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry; body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
Body Structure	Covered in hair or fur; mammary glands for milk production; endothermic (warm-blooded).
Respiratory System	Lungs for breathing; diaphragm separates thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Heart	Four-chambered heart with complete separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Temperature Regulation	Endothermic (warm-blooded); able to regulate body temperature internally.
Reproduction	Internal fertilization; viviparous (live-bearing) or oviparous (egg-laying); young nourished with milk from mammary glands.
Development	Viviparous species give birth to live young; young undergo maternal care and suckling.
Feeding	Varied diet including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores; specialized teeth for different feeding habits.
Habitat	Occupy diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, deserts, and aquatic environments.
Ecological Role	Important in ecosystems as predators, prey, seed dispersers, and ecosystem engineers.

Examples

• Homo sapiens (Human),
• Canis lupus familiaris (Dog),
• Felis catus (Domestic Cat)

Differences Between Chordate and Nonchordate:

Feature	Chordates or vertebrates	Non-Chordates or invertebrates
Notochord	Present at least during embryonic development; may persist in some adults.	Absent throughout life cycle.
Dorsal Nerve Cord	Present, located dorsal to the notochord, usually hollow.	Absent or ventral nerve cord present.
Pharyngeal Slits	Present at some stage of life, used for respiration or filter-feeding.	Absent or present only in some non-chordate groups for feeding or respiration.
Post-anal Tail	Present at some stage of life, may be lost during development in some species.	Absent in most species.
Endostyle or Thyroid Gland	Present in some, functioning as a filter-feeding structure or thyroid gland.	Absent or different structures for similar functions.
Segmentation	Present in some chordates, especially in the embryo; absent in most adults.	Present in some non-chordate groups, such as Annelids and Arthropods.
Body Symmetry	Bilateral symmetry, though exceptions exist.	May exhibit bilateral, radial, or no symmetry.
Body Cavity (Coelom)	Coelomates; possess a true body cavity derived from mesoderm.	Non-coelomates or pseudocoelomates; lack a true body cavity or have a derived cavity.
Skeleton	Endoskeleton made of cartilage or bone in most species.	Exoskeleton (e.g., shells), hydrostatic skeleton, or absent skeleton.
Respiratory Organs	Gills, lungs, or both; may exhibit cutaneous respiration in some amphibians.	Gills, tracheae, book lungs, or diffusion through the body surface.
Examples	Fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.	Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, etc.

The animal kingdom classification chart provides a systematic framework for understanding the vast diversity of life on Earth. Through this hierarchical arrangement, scientists can organize and categorize animals based on shared characteristics, evolutionary relationships, and anatomical features.

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