DEUTEROSTOMES Meaning and
Definition
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Deuterostomes are a diverse group of animals that belong to the larger classification of animals called Bilateria. They are characterized by a specific pattern of embryonic development known as deuterostomy. In deuterostomy, the first opening formed during gastrulation, called the blastopore, eventually develops into the anus, while the second opening becomes the mouth.
Deuterostomes include several commonly known phyla, such as Chordata (which includes vertebrates such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish) and Echinodermata (which includes starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers). Additionally, deuterostomes encompass other less-familiar phyla, including Hemichordata and Xenoturbellida.
One significant characteristic of deuterostomes is the presence of a notochord or a structure analogous to it. The notochord is a flexible rod-like structure that provides support and is eventually replaced by the backbone in vertebrates. This unique feature sets deuterostomes apart from the other major group of animals called protostomes.
Deuterostomes can be found in various habitats worldwide, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. They display a wide range of body forms and sizes, from tiny transparent larvae to large, complex organisms. Their evolutionary success is evident in their pervasive presence and their ability to adapt to different ecological niches.
Understanding deuterostomes is crucial for comprehending the vast diversity of life on Earth and unraveling the evolutionary relationships between different animal groups.
Etymology of DEUTEROSTOMES
The word "deuterostomes" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek words "deuteros", meaning "second", and "stoma", meaning "mouth". The term was originally coined by German zoologist Karl Grobben in 1908 to describe a group of organisms characterized by a specific pattern of embryonic development, where the first opening to form becomes the anus, and a second opening develops to become the mouth. Deuterostomes include various organisms, such as vertebrates (including humans), echinoderms (such as starfish and sea urchins), and certain invertebrate groups.
