AWAKE

Click here to view the list of Cnidarians present in Kentucky

Characteristics :

• Body symmetry is radial, similar to a pie that has a definite top and bottom but no definite right or left sides
• May go through two body forms in completing the life cycle: the hollow, cylindrical, often stationary form is called a polyp; the free-swimming, hollow, bowl-like form is called a medusa
• Have many cells, some specialized and some organized into tissues
• Body consists of two cell layers surrounding a hollow cavity with an opening that functions both as a mouth and for ejecting wastes
• Have arm-like parts called tentacles that surround the mouth
• Have stinging cells on tentacles for food-getting and defense
• Are carnivores; eat by capturing prey with tentacles

Taxanomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum : Cindaria
    • Class Anthozoa (coral, anemones, others)
      
      Cubozoa (box jellies)
      
      Hydrozoa (hydras, fire corals, others)
      
      Scyphozoa (jellyfish)

Student Challenge

Cnidarians typically go through two developmental stages, each with a body form that looks different from the other. These two body forms are called polyp and medusa. How does each shape help it survive in its ecological niche?