List the characteristics that are typical of animals.

• Describe features that distinguish animals from other kinds of organisms.
• Give examples that illustrate that there are a wide variety of kinds of animals.

Understand the nature of the different structural traits of animals.

• Explain the difference between homeotherms and poikilotherms.
• List the three body forms typical of animals.
• Distinguish between diploblastic and triploblastic animals.
• Understand the role of a skeleton.

Understand the evolutionary history of the animal kingdom.

• Describe why primitive animals are primarily marine.
• Explain why the body plans of some animals are only suitable for aquatic habitats.
• Recognize how aquatic organisms can reproduce by external fertilization.
• Describe the adaptations of terrestrial animals that allow them to be successful on land.
• Explain why the parasitic way of life is beneficial to parasites.
• Distinguish among nekton, zooplankton, and benthic organisms.
• List specific adaptations that allow animals to succeed in their habitats and niches.
• Describe distinguishing characteristics of the phyla of animals.