Class IX Practical: Animal Life - Animal Specimen Identification

Objective

To identify and classify various animal specimens from different phyla/classes of Non-Chordata and Chordata.

Guidelines

1. Observation: Carefully observe the external features of each provided specimen (preserved specimens, models, or detailed charts).
2. Key Characteristics: Note down the distinguishing characteristics that help in classification (e.g., body symmetry, presence/absence of segmentation, appendages, type of skeleton, body covering, specialized organs).
3. Classification: Based on the observed characteristics, identify the phylum/class to which the specimen belongs.
4. Drawing: Draw neat, labeled diagrams of each specimen, highlighting its key identifying features.
5. Discussion: Briefly describe the habitat, general characteristics, and economic importance (if any) of each identified group.

Specimens for Identification

Non-Chordata

• Porifera: (e.g., Sycon, Spongilla) - Observe pores, osculum, simple body plan.
• Coelenterata (Cnidaria): (e.g., Hydra, Obelia, Jellyfish) - Observe radial symmetry, tentacles, cnidoblasts.
• Platyhelminthes: (e.g., Planaria, Liver fluke, Tapeworm) - Observe flat body, bilateral symmetry.
• Nemathelminthes (Aschelminthes): (e.g., Ascaris, Filarial worm) - Observe cylindrical body, unsegmented.
• Annelida: (e.g., Earthworm, Leech, Nereis) - Observe segmented body, setae/parapodia.
• Arthropoda: (e.g., Prawn, Cockroach, Spider, Centipede, Millipede) - Observe jointed appendages, chitinous exoskeleton, segmented body.
• Mollusca: (e.g., Snail, Mussel, Octopus) - Observe soft body, shell (often), muscular foot.
• Echinodermata: (e.g., Starfish, Sea urchin) - Observe spiny skin, water vascular system, radial symmetry (adult).

Chordata

• Pisces (Fish): (e.g., Rohu, Shark) - Observe fins, scales, gills, streamlined body.
• Amphibia: (e.g., Frog, Salamander) - Observe moist skin, limbs, dual habitat.
• Reptilia: (e.g., Lizard, Snake, Turtle) - Observe dry scaly skin, crawling locomotion.
• Aves (Birds): (e.g., Pigeon, Sparrow) - Observe feathers, wings, beak, hollow bones.
• Mammalia: (e.g., Rat, Bat, Human skeleton/model) - Observe hair/fur, mammary glands, external ears.

Expected Outcome

Ability to identify and classify common animal specimens into their respective phyla/classes based on their distinguishing morphological features.