Which Class groups the White Crappie, characterized by bony spines or rays supporting its fins?
Answer
Actinopterygii
The Class placement for *Pomoxis annularis* is Actinopterygii. This group represents the ray-finned fishes and constitutes the most numerous class within the entire vertebrate lineage. The defining anatomical feature of this class, as implied by the name Actinopterygii, is the structural support provided to their fins by bony spines or rays. This contrasts significantly with the Class Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes), which possess fleshy, lobe-like fins and includes more distantly related lineages such as tetrapods and lungfish.

Related Questions
What is the Phylum classification for the White Crappie (*Pomoxis annularis*)?How many dorsal fin spines typically differentiate the White Crappie (*P. annularis*) from the Black Crappie (*P. nigromaculatus*)?What is the common designation for the Family Centrarchidae, which includes *P. annularis*?What does the Latin species name *annularis* translate to, describing the White Crappie's characteristic markings?Which Class groups the White Crappie, characterized by bony spines or rays supporting its fins?In which environmental condition does the White Crappie generally seem to tolerate or prefer over the Black Crappie?Which genus classification groups the White Crappie along with the Black Crappie (*P. nigromaculatus*)?What specific type of scales, featuring tiny, tooth-like projections, are characteristic of *P. annularis* morphology?Which major North American drainage system is identified as part of the native territory for *Pomoxis annularis*?What is the IUCN Red List conservation status assigned to the widespread White Crappie population?