GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The echinoderms have a radially arranged, pentamerous body structure that is very different from the bilateral body structure of the related deuterostome phyla, the hemichordates and the chordates. Yet, all three phyla evolved from a common bilaterally symmetric ancestor (Eernisse & Peterson 2004; Smith et al.

Detailed explanation-2: -Echinoderms take many forms of symmetry. Pentameral symmetry is the major form and the other forms are derived from it. However, the ancestors of echinoderms, which originated from Cambrian period, were believed to be bilaterians. Echinoderm larvae are bilateral during their early development.

Detailed explanation-3: -The echinoderm ancestry later developed radial symmetry as it was thought to be more advantageous to the species. The bilateral symmetry can still be seen in the larvae of echinoderms but once they reach adulthood, they develop radial symmetry.

Detailed explanation-4: -One characteristic of an echinoderm is that they all have pentamerous radial symmetry. This simply means they all have 5 equal body parts. You can divide these animals into five equal parts, and every part is the same. For example, most sea stars have five arms or a multiple of five arms.