The water vascular system of echinoderms
A)functions as a circulatory system that distributes nutrients to body cells.
B)functions in locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange.
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 locomotion through tube feet, feeding through the tube feet and mouth, and gas exchange through structures called respiratory trees. It is not a circulatory system as it does not distribute nutrients to body cells. The echinoderm body plan is radial, not bilateral, so choice C is incorrect. The water vascular system does move water through the animal's body, but not during suspension feeding, so choice D is incorrect. The gastrovascular cavity of flatworms is a single opening through which food is consumed and waste is expelled, whereas the water vascular system is a network of canals and structures with various functions, so choice E is incorrect.

The Water Vascular System of Echinoderms