TED-Ed: How does a jellyfish sting? - Neosha S Kashef

Jellyfish are fascinating creatures with delicate bodies made mostly of water and mesoglea. They use venomous stinging cells called cnidocytes for protection and hunting. Jellyfish grow from tiny ephyrae to large species like the lion's mane. Their stings are delivered through nematocysts, which are incredibly fast and can still fire after the jellyfish dies. First aid for stings includes using vinegar or seawater, but not freshwater. Some jellyfish stings can be deadly, requiring immediate medical attention. Despite their defenses, jellyfish have predators like leatherback turtles and ocean sunfish. Research is exploring the use of jellyfish stings in medicine.

What percentage of a jellyfish's body is made up of water?

• 50%

• 70%

• 100%

• 95%

Which jellyfish species is known for having tentacles longer than a blue whale?

• Moon Jellyfish

• Lion's Mane Jellyfish

• Box Jellyfish

• Portuguese Man o' War

What should you avoid using to rinse a jellyfish sting?

• Vinegar

• Seawater

• Freshwater

• Antivenom

Which predator has adaptations like backwards pointing spines to consume jellyfish?

• Leatherback Turtle

• Shark

• Dolphin

• Octopus

How do nudibranchs utilize jellyfish defenses?

• By mimicking jellyfish appearance

• By hiding among tentacles

• By eating cnidocytes and using them as weapons

• By avoiding them