Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Difference Between Protostomes and Deuterostomes

ffImage
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon
SearchIcon

Understand What is Protostomes and Deuterostomes with Examples

Protostomes and deuterostomes are two major groups in the animal kingdom, defined by how they develop during the early stages of life. The main difference lies in the development of the blastopore, the first opening that forms in the embryo. In protostomes, the mouth develops from the blastopore, while in deuterostomes, the anus forms first, and the mouth develops later. These differences between protosomes and deuterosomes affect how the body structure and organs form in each group. Protostomes include animals like flatworms and annelids, while deuterostomes include humans, echinoderms, and chordates. Both play important roles in the natural world, but their development patterns are distinct.


Differentiate Between Protostomes and Deuterostomes

Feature

Protostomes

Deuterostomes

Blastopore Development

The mouth develops from the blastopore.

Anus develops from the blastopore.

Coelom Formation

Schizocoel (coelom forms from mesoderm splitting).

Enterocoel (coelom forms from the archenteron).

Cleavage Type

Spiral cleavage (cells divide at angles).

Radial cleavage (cells divide parallel or perpendicular).

Embryonic Development

Determinate cleavage (the fate of cells is set).

Indeterminate cleavage (cells can still develop into different parts).

Body Composition

Simpler body structure (e.g., flatworms).

More complex body structures (e.g., humans).

Examples

Flatworms, annelids, arthropods.

Humans, echinoderms, chordates.


Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success

FAQs on Difference Between Protostomes and Deuterostomes

1. What are two examples of a deuterostome and two examples of a protostome?

Examples of deuterostomes include humans and starfish. Examples of protostomes include flatworms and earthworms.

2. Are humans protostomes or deuterostomes?

Humans are deuterostomes, meaning their anus forms first during early development.

3. What are the differences between protostomes and deuterostomes?

Protostomes develop the mouth first from the blastopore, while deuterostomes develop the anus first. Additionally, their cleavage patterns and coelom formation differ.

4. What is the difference between a protostome and a deuterostome?

The main difference is how their early development unfolds- protostomes form the mouth first, whereas deuterostomes form the anus first.

5. What are the 3 differences between deuterostomes and protostomes?

  • The mouth vs. anus development.

  • Spiral vs. radial cleavage.

  • Schizocoel vs. enterocoel coelom formation.

6. What is deuterostomes with example?

Deuterostomes are animals like humans and echinoderms, where the anus forms first during embryonic development.

7. Are snakes protostomes or deuterostomes?

Snakes are protostomes, as they belong to the group where the mouth develops first.

8. Is Hydra protostomes or deuterostomes?

Hydra is a protostome, as it develops with the mouth forming first.


9. Do protostomes have brains?

Yes, some protostomes have simple brains, like in annelids and arthropods.

10. What are the main characteristics of protostomes and deuterostomes?

Protostomes have mouth-first development, spiral cleavage, and simpler body structures. Deuterostomes have anus-first development, radial cleavage, and more complex bodies.