Phyla Classification Features — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptThe salient distinguishing features of all phyla under animal kingdom is comprehensively given in the Table 4.2.
Which of the following statements correctly identify features that are distinctive or exclusive to specific animal phyla? S1: Flame cells are specialized excretory structures exclusive to Phylum Platyhelminthes. S2: The water vascular system, aiding in locomotion, food capture, and respiration, is a unique feature of Phylum Echinodermata. S3: Radula, a chitinous rasping organ for feeding, is found universally in all members of Phylum Mollusca, distinguishing them from other phyla. S4: Jointed appendages are a characteristic feature defining all members of Phylum Arthropoda, contributing to their diverse forms and habitats. S5: Cnidoblasts (cnidocytes) containing nematocysts are distinctive stinging capsules found only in members of Phylum Coelenterata (Cnidaria).
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — S1, S2, S4 and S5 only
This question tests the knowledge of distinctive and exclusive features of various invertebrate phyla. S1: Correct. NCERT states, 'Specialised cells called flame cells help in osmoregulation and excretion.' in the context of Platyhelminthes, indicating it's a characteristic feature for this phylum (Page 42, Phylum Platyhelminthes section). S2: Correct. NCERT explicitly states, 'The most distinctive feature of echinoderms is the presence of water vascular system which helps in locomotion, capture and transport of food and respiration.' (Page 45, Phylum Echinodermata section). S3: Not correct. NCERT describes the radula as 'a file-like rasping organ for feeding, called radula' in Mollusca (Page 44, Phylum Mollusca section). However, the quantifier 'universally in all members' makes this statement incorrect, as some molluscs (e.g., bivalves) lack a radula. S4: Correct. NCERT explains Arthropoda by stating, 'They have jointed appendages (arthros-joint, poda-appendages),' which is their defining characteristic (Page 44, Phylum Arthropoda section). S5: Correct. NCERT states, 'The name cnidaria is derived from the cnidoblasts or cnidocytes (which contain the stinging capsules or nematocysts) present on the tentacles and the body.' This confirms cnidoblasts are exclusive to Cnidaria (Page 41, Phylum Coelenterata section). Therefore, statements S1, S2, S4, and S5 are correct. This question emphasizes understanding the specific diagnostic features for phylum classification.
What does NCERT say about salient distinguishing features all?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.