Cnidaria Basics and Body Forms

Front

What is the main job of oral arms in jellyfish?

Back

Guide food to the central mouth

Front

Which statement best compares medusa and polyp forms?

Back

Medusa swims bell-down; polyp anchors upright

Front

What kind of body symmetry do most Cnidarians have?

Back

Radial symmetry around a center

Front

What is the function of porocytes in sponges?

Back

Create the tiny water pores

Front

What is budding in sponges?

Back

A tiny growth breaks off to form a new sponge

Front

Define Cnidaria.

Back

A phylum of animals that includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones, characterized by the presence of cnidocytes.

Front

What are cnidocytes?

Back

Specialized cells in Cnidarians that contain stinging structures called nematocysts.

Front

Describe the medusa body form.

Back

A free-swimming, bell-shaped form of Cnidarians, typically with tentacles hanging down.

Front

Describe the polyp body form.

Back

A sessile, cylindrical form of Cnidarians, typically with tentacles extending upward.

Front

What is the role of nematocysts in Cnidarians?

Back

To capture prey and defend against predators.