IDENTIFICATION (with reason) OF Cucumaria sp. (B.Sc. ZOOLOGY_CCF-CC5_SEM4)

 Identifying features are:

1. Multicellular heterotroph.
2. embryonic development, preceded by heterogametic fertilization.

            Hence, the specimen belongs to the Kingdom Animalia.

1. Usually exhibit pentamerous symmetry.
2. Presence of external spines.
3. Oral surface directed downward.
4. Tube foot is present.
5. Five grooves named ambulacra are usually present.

           Hence, the specimen belongs to the Phylum Echinodermata

1. Globoid or discoid body without arms or brachioles.
2. Madreporite & anus remain on the aboral side.
3. Mouth is present on the aboral side. Directed downwards or forwards.
4. Ambulacral grooves are covered.

             Hence, the specimen belongs to the Sub Phylum Echinozoa.

1. Elongated body along the oral/aboral axis. 
2. Surface of the body may exhibit five ambulacral areas.
3. Mouth & anus present at opposite extremities of the body.
4. Oral-aboral axis is horizontal.
5. Anus is aboral with paired respiratory trees.

              Hence, the  specimen belongs to the Class Holothuroidea

1. Five-sided body, each side is provided with double rows of tube -feet.
2. Mouth is surrounded by branched tentacles.
3. Presence of smooth, thin, collar-like introvert at the base of tentacles.

             Hence, the specimen seems to be Cucumaria sp.

Systematic Position (Ruppert & Barnes 1994)

 Kingdom: Animalia

   Phylum: Echinodermata

         Sub Phylum: Echinozoa

                 Class: Holothuroidea

                     Genus: Cucumaria