BIO153H5 Lecture Notes - Cnidocyte, Internal Fertilization, Cell Potency
Document Summary
Most animals get nutrients by eating other organisms, and most animals move under their own power at some point in their life cycle: methods of sexual reproduction vary widely among animal groups, and many species can reproduce asexually. It is common for individuals to undergo metamorphosis during their life cycle. Animals are heterotrophs they obtain the chemical energy and carbon compounds they need from other organisms. Animals are the consumers that occupy the upper levels of food chains in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Animals are a species rich and morphologically diverse lineage of multicellular organisms. Humans depend on wild and domesticated animals for food and, in preindustrial societies, for transportation and power. Humans study our closest relatives to understand ourselves. Animals are very diverse, particularly in morphology. About 34 major animal phyla are recognized. Most morphological diversity in animals is based on differences in mouths and limbs.
