Ctenophores Flashcards
Where in the phylogeny by Brusca et al. are the ctenophores located?
ctenophores are placed within Eumetazoa under
Radiata, alongside cnidarians
What are the synaopomorphies of ctenophores? (6)
eight rows of ciliary plates (ctenes)
biradial symmetry
colloblast
complete gut with anal pore
mesoglea with muscle cells
nerve net
What are colloblasts?
Specialized adhesive cells used to capture prey
What are the 6 orders of ctenophores?
Cydippida (oval)
Lobata (lobes near mouth)
Platyctenida (eresemble sea slugs)
Cestida (ribbon-like)
Ganeshida (less studied)
Beroida (large, sack-like)
How do ctenophores develop?
Mostly develop directly into adults; some have a small larval stage.
What and how do ctenophores eat?
Carnivores; eat plankton and small sea creatures using sticky tentacles (not
stingers).
How to ctenophores move?
Move with rows of tiny hair-like cilia, creating a shimmering effect.
How do ctenophores reproduce?
Most are hermaphrodites, releasing eggs and sperm into the water;
some can reproduce asexually.
Where are ctenophores found?
Found in oceans worldwide, from shallow waters to deep seas.
What structures do ctenophores possess not found in porifera? (7)
true tissue
ctenes
nerve net
colloblast
complete digestive system
biradial symmetry
muscle cells
Why are comb jellies called that, and how do they produce rainbows?
They are called comb jellies because they have eight rows of comb-like cilia used
for swimming. The rainbow effect happens because light refracts off their moving
cilia, creating an iridescent shimmer
How many are reported in the Marianas, and how many in the trench?
2 species
4 species in the deep
How to deep-sea ctenophores survive? (2)
Deep-sea species have special cell membranes that keep
them stable.
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Different Metabolism: Their enzymes work better under deep-sea conditions.
