Trichoplax Adhaerens (Tp) Is the Only Living Species in the Phylum

question 69

Multiple Choice

Trichoplax adhaerens (Tp) is the only living species in the phylum Placozoa. Individuals are about 1 mm wide and only 27 μm high, are irregularly shaped, and consist of a total of about 2,000 cells, which are diploid (2n = 12) . There are four types of cells, none of which are nerve or muscle cells, and none of which have cell walls. They move using cilia, and any "edge" can lead. Tp feeds on marine microbes, mostly unicellular green algae, by crawling atop the algae and trapping it between its ventral surface and the substrate. Enzymes are then secreted onto the algae, and the resulting nutrients are absorbed. Tp sperm cells have never been observed, nor have embryos past the 64-cell (blastula) stage.
-Tp's body symmetry seems to be most like that of

• A) most sponges.
• B) cnidarians.
• C) worms.
• D) tetrapods.
• E) Two of the responses above are correct.

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Definitions:

Id

A component of the personality in Freud's psychoanalytic theory that is responsible for the instinctual and primitive behaviors.

Ego

In psychology, a part of the mind that mediates between conscious and unconscious thoughts, often tied to one's sense of self-esteem and identity.

Oedipus Complex

A psychoanalytic theory proposed by Freud that describes a child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy and rivalry with the same-sex parent.

Impulsiveness

A tendency to act on spontaneous desires without considering the consequences.