[Campbell Biology P.729] Which of the following best describes the coelom in triploblastic a... | Practice Question

Which of the following best describes the coelom in triploblastic animals, according to the text?

  • A: A coelom is a fluid- or air-filled space located between the endoderm and ectoderm, serving primarily for nutrient absorption.
  • B: The coelom forms from tissue derived from the mesoderm and provides structural support, facilitates internal transport, and suspends organs.
  • C: All animals, regardless of symmetry or germ layers, possess a coelom for waste removal.
  • D: A coelom is another term for the archenteron, the pouch that forms during gastrulation.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Many triploblastic animals have a coelom... a body cavity that forms from tissue derived from mesoderm. The inner and outer layers of mesoderm that surround the cavity connect and form structures that suspend' organs. It also mentions body cavities 'have diverse functions, such as to provide structural support and to facilitate the internal transport of nutrients, gases, and wastes.' This directly supports option B.