What is the Difference Between Metazoa and Eumetazoa?

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The main difference between Metazoa and Eumetazoa lies in the groups of multicellular animals they represent and their taxonomic classification. Here are the key differences:

  • Metazoa: This group includes all multicellular animals, except for protozoans, which are classified as unicellular organisms. Metazoa is a major division or kingdom within the animal kingdom, containing both parazoa and eumetazoa.
  • Eumetazoa: This group is a sub-kingdom within Metazoa and includes bilaterians and radiates, such as Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Mollusca, and Annelida. Eumetazoa excludes sponges (Porifera) and Placozoa, which are classified under a separate sub-kingdom known as Parazoa.

In summary, Metazoa encompasses all multicellular animals except for protozoans, while Eumetazoa is a subgroup within Metazoa that includes most animals, excluding sponges and Placozoa.

Comparative Table: Metazoa vs Eumetazoa

Metazoa and Eumetazoa are two groups of multicellular animals under the kingdom Animalia. Here is a table highlighting the differences between them:

Feature Metazoa Eumetazoa
Definition Metazoa is a major division or kingdom comprising all animals except protozoans. Eumetazoa is a sub-kingdom under Animalia that includes bilaterians and radiates.
Inclusion Metazoa includes parazoa and eumetazoa. Eumetazoa includes most animals under metazoa except for the parazoa.
Tissue Organization They may or may not have true tissue organization. They show true tissue organization.
Blastula Stage The blastula stage is a unique feature of metazoans. The eumetazoan embryo also shows the gastrula stage.

Some examples of phyla under Eumetazoa include Echinodermata, Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, Mollusca, and Annelida.