Metazoa
Metazoa
Metazoa (/mɛtəˈzoʊə/; from the Greek μετά meta, "after" + ζῷον zoon, "animal") is a taxonomic group that comprises all animals. The term is used in contrast to the Protista, which includes all eukaryotic organisms that are not animals, plants, or fungi.
Etymology
The term "Metazoa" is derived from the Greek words "meta", meaning "after", and "zoon", meaning "animal". It was first used in the 19th century to distinguish multicellular animals from unicellular organisms, then known as Protozoa.
Classification
Metazoans are classified into two main groups: the Parazoa and the Eumetazoa. Parazoans include the phylum Porifera, commonly known as sponges. Eumetazoans include all other animal phyla, and are characterized by the presence of true tissues and organs.
Characteristics
Metazoans are multicellular organisms that are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms. They have specialized cells that perform different functions, and most undergo sexual reproduction.
Related Terms
- Eukaryote: A cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus.
- Multicellular organism: An organism that consists of more than one cell.
- Heterotroph: An organism that cannot manufacture its own food and instead obtains its food and energy by taking in organic substances, usually plant or animal matter.
- Sexual reproduction: A type of reproduction in which the genetic material from two parents combines and produces offspring that differ genetically from either parent.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metazoa
- Wikipedia's article - Metazoa
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