IDENTIFICATION (with reason) OF Ophiura 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. Star-shaped body.
2. Ambulacral grooves are present on the oral surface bearing double series of tube feet with suckers.
3. Mouth is directed downwards.

               Hence, the specimen belongs to the Sub Phylum Asterozoa

1. Cylindrical arms are sharply demarcated from the central disc.
2. Anus is lacking.
3. Mouth & madreporite are situated on the oral surface of the body.
4. Ambulacral grooves are covered.
5. Arms are filled by vertebral ossicles.

                 Hence, the specimen belongs to the Class Ophiuroidea

1. Arms are covered by shields & fringed with spines.
2. At the base of each arm a pair of bursal slits are present .
3. Five oral shields are present on the oral surface.
4. Anus is lacking.

                   Hence, the specimen seems to be Ophiura sp

Systematic Position (Ruppert & Barnes 1994)

 Kingdom: Animalia

   Phylum: Echinodermata

         Sub Phylum: Asterozoa

                 Class:  Ophiuroidea

                     Genus: Ophiura