What is the Difference Between Porifera and Coelenterata?

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Porifera and Coelenterata are two primitive animal phyla belonging to the kingdom Animalia. The main differences between them are:

  1. Body organization: Porifera animals show cellular level organization, while Coelenterata animals have a tissue level of organization.
  2. Mobility: Porifera animals are non-motile, while Coelenterata animals are capable of locomotion.
  3. Body cavity: Porifera animals have numerous pores or holes all over their body, while Coelenterata animals have a body cavity with a single opening.
  4. Skeletal structure: Porifera animals possess an exoskeleton, while Coelenterata animals do not have an exoskeleton.
  5. Mesohyl and Mesoglea: In Porifera animals, Mesohyl is found between the two cell layers, while in Coelenterata animals, Mesoglea is found between the two cell layers.
  6. Symmetry: Porifera animals are asymmetrical, while Coelenterata animals show radial symmetry.
  7. Nervous system and organs: Porifera animals do not have organs or nerve cells, while Coelenterata animals possess a simple nervous system and simple organs.

In summary, Porifera and Coelenterata are two different phyla of primitive aquatic animals, with Porifera being non-motile and having a cellular level of organization, and Coelenterata being capable of locomotion and having a tissue level of organization.

Comparative Table: Porifera vs Coelenterata

Here is a table that highlights the differences between Porifera and Coelenterata:

Feature Porifera Coelenterata
Motility Non-motile Motile
Body organization Cellular level Tissue level
Body structure Porous, with multiple holes throughout the body Single opening in the coelenteron
Symmetry No symmetry, locomotion not shown Radial symmetry, capable of locomotion
Nervous system No organs or nerve cells Simple nervous system and simple organs
Exoskeleton Present Absent

Porifera, also known as sponges, are marine animals with a cellular level of organization. They are non-motile and possess many pores in their bodies. The phylum Coelenterata, on the other hand, includes radially symmetrical aquatic animals with a simple tissue level of organization. These animals are motile and have a single opening in their coelenteron.