Question

With reference to the phylum Echinodermata, identify the classes that have pedicellariae?

• A. Crinoidea and Holothuroidea
• B. Holothuroidea and Echinoidea
• C. Asteroidea and Echinoidea
• D. Ophiuroidea and Holothuroidea

Answer 1

The correct option is C Asteroidea and Echinoidea

• A pedicellaria is a small claw-shaped appendage with movable jaws, called valves, commonly found on the members of phylum Echinodermata particularly in sea stars (class Asteroidea) and sea urchins (class Echinoidea).
• They can aid in defence or predation and are equipped with venom glands.
• There are two major types of pedicellaria in sea stars: straight and crossed.
• Straight pedicellaria is typically larger and located on the body surface, whereas crossed pedicellaria is smaller and found more commonly on stalks, raised above the body surface, or in clumps circling the spines.
• Four main forms of pedicellariae are found in sea urchins: tridactylous, ophicephalous, triphyllous, and globiferous.

So, the correct answer is option C.