Give characteristics of all phylums under Animalia with examples.

The animal kingdom, or Kingdom Animalia, is incredibly diverse and consists of numerous phyla, each with its own unique characteristics and representative examples. Here's a list of some major animal phyla along with their characteristics and examples:

Porifera (Sponges):

Characteristics: Simple, multicellular organisms with no true tissues or organs. They have a porous body structure with specialized cells called choanocytes that help filter food particles.
Example: Sea sponges.
Cnidaria (Corals, Jellyfish, Anemones):

Characteristics: Radially symmetrical animals with specialized cells called cnidocytes that contain stinging structures called nematocysts. They often have a sac-like body plan with a central digestive cavity.
Examples: Jellyfish, corals, sea anemones.
Platyhelminthes (Flatworms):

Characteristics: Bilaterally symmetrical animals with flattened bodies. Some are parasitic, while others are free-living. They lack a body cavity (coelom) and have simple nervous systems.
Example: Planarians, tapeworms.
Nematoda (Roundworms):

Characteristics: Unsegmented, cylindrical worms with a complete digestive system. They have a tough cuticle that protects their bodies.
Example: Caenorhabditis elegans, parasitic roundworms.
Annelida (Segmented Worms):

Characteristics: Bodies divided into segments, or "annuli." They often have bristles called setae on each segment. Some are aquatic, while others are terrestrial.
Example: Earthworms, leeches.
Mollusca (Mollusks):

Characteristics: Soft-bodied animals often protected by a hard shell. They usually have a muscular foot for movement and a mantle that can secrete the shell.
Examples: Snails, clams, squids, octopuses.
Arthropoda (Arthropods):

Characteristics: Segmented bodies with exoskeletons made of chitin. They have jointed appendages and are the most diverse and numerous group of animals.
Examples: Insects (ants, butterflies), arachnids (spiders, scorpions), crustaceans (crabs, lobsters).
Echinodermata (Echinoderms):

Characteristics: Radially symmetrical marine animals with a spiny skin. They often have a water vascular system for movement and feeding.
Examples: Starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers.
Chordata (Chordates):

Characteristics: Possess a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a post-anal tail at some point in their life cycle. This phylum includes vertebrates.
Examples: Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals.
Please note that this list covers only a selection of the numerous animal phyla, and there are many more phyla with their own unique characteristics and representative organisms.