What are coelomates?

Coelomate animals are those that have a body cavity called coelom, which originates embryonically from the mesoderm. The coelom is surrounded by a layer of muscle and a layer of lining tissue called peritoneum.

Examples of coelomates

• Annelids, such as earthworms
• Arthropods, such as insects and arachnids
• Mollusks, such as snails and clams
• Chordates, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals

What are pseudocoelomates?

Pseudocoelomate animals are those that have a false body cavity called pseudocoelom, which originates embryonically from the rupture of the blastocoel. The pseudocoelom is not surrounded by a layer of muscle and peritoneum, but rather the viscera float freely inside.

Examples of pseudocoelomates

• Nematodes, such as roundworms
• Rotifers, such as springtails
• Tardigrades, also known as water bears

What is the difference between coelomates and pseudocoelomates?

The main difference between coelomate and pseudocoelomate animals is the presence or absence of a true body cavity. Coelomates have a coelom surrounded by muscle and peritoneum, which allows them to have greater structural and functional complexity, such as better protection of internal organs and a greater efficiency in the circulation and transport of body fluids. In contrast, pseudocoelomates have a pseudocoelom that is not surrounded by support and protective structures, which limits their structural and functional complexity.

In summary, the difference between coelomates and pseudocoelomates is based on the presence or absence of a true body cavity surrounded by muscle and peritoneum, which determines their structural and functional complexity in the animal Kingdom.

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