What is meant by phylum Cnidaria?

What is meant by phylum Cnidaria?

cnidarian, also called coelenterate, any member of the phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterata), a group made up of more than 9,000 living species. Mostly marine animals, the cnidarians include the corals, hydras, jellyfish, Portuguese men-of-war, sea anemones, sea pens, sea whips, and sea fans.

Why is the phylum Cnidaria?

Phylum Cnidaria includes animals that exhibit radial or biradial symmetry and are diploblastic, meaning that they develop from two embryonic layers, ectoderm and endoderm. Nearly all (about 99 percent) cnidarians are marine species.

What is the habitat of phylum Cnidaria?

Cnidarians can be found in almost all ocean habitats. They may live in water that is shallow or deep, warm or cold. A few species live in freshwater. Some cnidarians live alone, while others live in colonies.

Where are cnidarians found?

Cnidarians are found in many aquatic environments. Sea anemones are widely distributed, from cold arctic waters to the equator, from shallow tide pools to the bottom of the deep ocean. Jellyfish float near the surface of the open oceans and in some tropical freshwater lakes.

What are the classes of Cnidaria?

CNIDARIA

• Anthozoa. Corals and sea anemones.
• Scyphozoa. Swimming Jellyfish.
• Staurozoa. Stalked Jellyfish.
• Cubozoa. Box jellyfish.
• Hydrozoa. Hydroids and siphonophores.

What is the function of cnidarians?

Cnidarians are carnivorous animals. They use cnidocytes on the surface of their tentacles to release nematocysts for attacking and capturing prey. The immobilized prey can then be brought into the coelenteron through the mouth. Medusae also have oral “arms” that assist in capturing and ingesting prey.

What are 5 facts about cnidarians?

Fast Facts: Cnidarians

• Scientific Name: Cnidaria.
• Common Name(s): Coelenterates, corals, jellyfish, sea anemones, sea pens, hydrozoans.
• Basic Animal Group: Invertebrate.
• Size: 3/4 of an inch to 6.5 feet in diameter; up to 250 feet long.
• Weight: Up to 440 pounds.
• Lifespan: A few days to more than 4,000 years.
• Diet: Carnivore.

Where are cnidarians located?

oceans
Cnidarians are found in many aquatic environments. Sea anemones are widely distributed, from cold arctic waters to the equator, from shallow tide pools to the bottom of the deep ocean. Jellyfish float near the surface of the open oceans and in some tropical freshwater lakes.