What is the major functional difference between open and closed circulatory systems?
In an open circulatory system (e.g., Arthropods), blood is pumped into open spaces (hemocoel), facilitating direct diffusion of gases and nutrients. In a closed system (e.g., Annelids, Chordates), blood circulates within vessels.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 4: Animal Kingdom Basis of Classification - Symmetry Coelom Segmentation