Phylum May 2026

Soft-bodied animals, often with shells (snails, clams, octopuses).

After Kingdom, it is the primary division of organisms sharing core structural traits. phylum

Situated just below and above Class in biological classification, a phylum groups organisms based on a general, shared body plan or fundamental developmental structure. What is a Phylum? What is a Phylum

Each phylum represents a specific evolutionary path, defined by unique characteristics like internal structure, body symmetry, and mode of development. Organisms in the same phylum—say, a human and

Phyla help biologists understand evolutionary relationships. Organisms in the same phylum—say, a human and a fish—might look very different, but they share a basic body blueprint (in this case, belonging to Chordata ). Phylum Chordata | manoa.hawaii.edu/ExploringOurFluidEarth

Animals with a backbone (or notochord), including humans, fish, and birds.

Animals with jointed legs and exoskeletons (insects, spiders, crustaceans—the largest phylum).