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 body sharply demarcated from the central disc.
2. Mouth and madreporite are situated on the oral surface of the body.
3. Madreporite is on oral surface.
4. Ambulacral grooves remain covered.

             Hence, the specimen belongs to the Class Ophiuroidea

1. Oral surface bears five oral shields.
2. Arms are sharply set off from the central disc. Fringed with spines.
3. Mouth and madreporite are situated on the oral surface of the body.
4. A pair of bursal slits are present at the base of each arm.

            Hence, the specimen seems to be Ophiura  sp.

Systematic Position (Ruppert & Barnes 1994)

 Kingdom: Animalia

   Phylum: Echinodermata

         Sub Phylum: Asterozoa

                 Class: Ophiuroidea

                     Genus: Ophiura