Question

In which of the following animals, haemocyanin pigment is found?

• A. annelida
• B. echinodermata
• C. insecta
• D. mollusca.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To identify the correct animal group in which the haemocyanin pigment is found, let's explore the role and characteristics of haemocyanin in different animal phyla.

Haemocyanin is a copper-containing protein, used by some animals to transport oxygen in their bloodstream. Unlike hemoglobin, which contains iron, haemocyanin is blue when oxygenated.

Now, let's evaluate each of the given options:

1. Annelida: This group mainly uses hemoglobin, similar to humans, for oxygen transport in their blood. Thus, haemocyanin is not found here.
2. Echinodermata: This phylum includes starfish and sea urchins. They do not utilize haemocyanin for oxygen transport.
3. Insecta: Insects primarily rely on a tracheal system for direct oxygen transport, rather than blood-based transport systems such as hemoglobin or haemocyanin.
4. Mollusca: Many mollusks, such as octopuses and some snails, use haemocyanin to transport oxygen in their blood. It provides these creatures with an efficient oxygen transport mechanism in their aquatic environments.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is mollusca. Mollusks are known for having haemocyanin in their blood, which is blue when oxygenated.