The water vascular system of echinoderms
A) functions as a circulatory system that distributes nutrients to body cells.
B) functions in locomotion and feeding.
C) is bilateral in organization, even though the adult animal is not bilaterally symmetrical.
D) moves water through the animal's body during suspension feeding.
E) is analogous to the gastrovascular cavity of flatworms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The water vascular system of echinoderms functions in both locomotion (through the use of tube feet) and feeding (by aiding in the capture and transportation of food). It is not a circulatory system as it does not distribute nutrients to body cells, it is not bilateral in organization, and it does not move water through the animal's body during suspension feeding. Additionally, it is not analogous to the gastrovascular cavity of flatworms as the functions and structures are different.

The Water Vascular System of Echinoderms