Two animal lineages differing in embryonic development; deuterostomes include echinoderms and chordates.
In protostomes, the blastopore becomes the mouth and cleavage is spiral and determinate; in deuterostomes, it becomes the anus and cleavage is radial and indeterminate (identical twins possible).
Early development differs in cleavage and fate. Molecular data support the groups.
Example: humans are deuterostomes, as are sea urchins.
Two animal lineages differing in embryonic development; deuterostomes include echinoderms and chordates.
Protostomes and Deuterostomes is one of the 53 topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Animal Skeletons, Animal Symmetry, Vertebrates and Invertebrates.
Molluscs, annelids and arthropods are protostomes.
Work through the Beginner topics in Zoology & Animal Diversity first, such as Animal Kingdom, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Sponges, then return to Protostomes and Deuterostomes. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Protostomes and Deuterostomes are Animal Skeletons, Animal Symmetry, Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Chordate Characteristics. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Protostomes and Deuterostomes. To practise the whole of Zoology & Animal Diversity, use the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz.
Protostomes and Deuterostomes: Two animal lineages differing in embryonic development; deuterostomes include echinoderms and chordates. Animal Skeletons: Hydrostatic skeletons, exoskeletons and endoskeletons give support and enable movement. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Animal Skeletons and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Zoology & Animal Diversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Hydrostatic skeletons, exoskeletons and endoskeletons give support and enable movement.
🦁 Zoology & Animal DiversityAnimals show radial, bilateral or no symmetry, which relates to their lifestyle and movement.
🦁 Zoology & Animal DiversityVertebrates have a backbone; invertebrates, which are over 95 percent of animals, do not.
🦁 Zoology & Animal DiversityNotochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits and post-anal tail at some stage of life.
🦁 Zoology & Animal Diversity