Read the following statements.

(a) Metagenesis is observed in Helminths.

(b) Echinoderms are triploblastic and coelomate animals.

(c) Round worms have organ-system level of body organization.

(d) Comb plates present in ctenophores help in digestion.

(e) Water vascular system is characteristic of Echinoderms.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

To determine the correct statements, let us analyze each of the given statements step-by-step:

(a) Metagenesis is observed in Helminths: This statement is incorrect. Metagenesis (alternation of generations between sexual and asexual phases) is a characteristic feature of certain Cnidarians (Coelenterates), such as Obelia, and is not observed in Helminths (Platyhelminthes or Aschelminthes).

(b) Echinoderms are triploblastic and coelomate animals: This statement is correct. Echinoderms possess three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm), making them triploblastic, and they have a true coelom (body cavity lined by mesoderm), making them coelomate.

(c) Round worms have organ-system level of body organization: This statement is correct. Roundworms (Aschelminthes/Nematodes) are the first group of animals in the evolutionary ladder to exhibit an organ-system level of body organization.

(d) Comb plates present in ctenophores help in digestion: This statement is incorrect. The eight rows of ciliated comb plates present in ctenophores (comb jellies) help in locomotion, not in digestion.

(e) Water vascular system is characteristic of Echinoderms: This statement is correct. The water vascular system (or ambulacral system) is a unique and defining feature of echinoderms that helps in locomotion, capture and transport of food, and respiration.

Therefore, statements (b), (c), and (e) are correct, while statements (a) and (d) are incorrect.