Difference between Protostomes and Deuterostomes
What is Protostomes?
Protostomes are a diverse group of animals that develop their mouth first during embryonic development.
They belong to the larger category of Bilateria, which includes most animals with bilateral symmetry.
Examples of Protostomes
Some examples of protostomes include insects, arthropods, mollusks, and annelids.
These organisms exhibit a wide range of characteristics and play important roles in various ecosystems.
What is Deuterostomes?
Deuterostomes are another diverse group of animals characterized by the development of their anus first during
embryonic development. They also belong to the larger category of Bilateria.
Examples of Deuterostomes
Examples of deuterostomes include vertebrates (such as fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and other groups
like echinoderms (e.g., starfish) and hemichordates.
Differences between Protostomes and Deuterostomes
| Difference Area | Protostomes | Deuterostomes |
|---|---|---|
| Germ Layers | Two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm) | Three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) |
| Fate of the Blastopore | Becomes the mouth | Becomes the anus |
| Cleavage | Spiral and determinate | Radial and indeterminate |
| Coelom Formation | Schizocoelous (splitting of mesoderm) | Enterocoelous (mesoderm arises from the endoderm) |
| Nervous System Development | Ventral nerve cord | Dorsal nerve cord |
| Regenerative Abilities | Some species have limited regenerative abilities | Many species have significant regenerative abilities |
| Segmentation | Segmented body plan usually evident | Segmentation not as evident |
| Development Pattern | Spiral and determinate | Radial and indeterminate |
| Embryonic Development | Protostomes undergo mosaic embryonic development | Deuterostomes undergo regulative embryonic development |
| Evolutionary Origin | Considered to have evolved from bilateral ancestors | Considered to be a later evolutionary development |
Conclusion
In summary, protostomes and deuterostomes are two major groups of animals that differ in various aspects such as
germ layers, fate of the blastopore, cleavage pattern, coelom formation, nervous system development, and
regenerative abilities. These differences contribute to their distinct characteristics and evolutionary
histories.
Knowledge Check
- Which group of animals develops the mouth first?
a) Protostomes
b) Deuterostomes
Answer: a) Protostomes - How many germ layers do deuterostomes have?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
Answer: c) Three - Which group shows spiral and determinate cleavage?
a) Protostomes
b) Deuterostomes
Answer: a) Protostomes - Do deuterostomes have significant regenerative abilities?
a) Yes
b) No
Answer: a) Yes - Where does the mesoderm arise from in protostomes?
a) Endoderm
b) Ectoderm
Answer: b) Ectoderm - Are protostomes segmented?
a) Yes
b) No
Answer: a) Yes - What type of nerve cord do deuterostomes have?
a) Ventral nerve cord
b) Dorsal nerve cord
Answer: b) Dorsal nerve cord - Which group undergoes mosaic embryonic development?
a) Protostomes
b) Deuterostomes
Answer: a) Protostomes - Which group is considered a later evolutionary development?
a) Protostomes
b) Deuterostomes
Answer: b) Deuterostomes - Do deuterostomes show a segmented body plan?
a) Yes
b) No
Answer: b) No
Related Topics
- Differences between invertebrates and vertebrates
- Evolutionary significance of germ layers
- Importance of coelom in animals
- Comparing nervous system development in different animal groups
