Phyla are the major classifications in the biological classification system. They are broad categories of organisms that share fundamental characteristics.
The Arctic region is a geographical area, not a biological classification. It is home to a wide variety of species from many different phyla, including:
* Animal Phyla:
* Chordata: Includes mammals like polar bears, seals, and walruses, as well as fish.
* Cnidaria: Jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones are found in Arctic waters.
* Mollusca: Includes shellfish like mussels, clams, and snails.
* Annelida: Earthworms and other segmented worms are found in Arctic soil.
* Arthropoda: A diverse group including crustaceans like crabs and shrimp, insects, and spiders.
* Echinodermata: Sea stars, sea urchins, and brittle stars.
* Porifera: Sponges.
* Plant Phyla:
* Bryophyta: Mosses and liverworts.
* Coniferophyta: Conifer trees like spruce and pine.
Instead of talking about an "Arctic phylum", we talk about the biodiversity of the Arctic, which encompasses species from many different phyla.