Invertebrates - Cnidarians

Question 1

what are the characteristics of cnidarians?

Answer 1

cnidarian = stinging, so these animals sting
-radial symmetry, diploblastic
-no true muscles, has a nerve net = no brain
-found in freshwater and marine habitats

Question 2

what animals are cnidarians?

Answer 2

-jellies, anemones, corals, hydras

Question 3

what are the two body plans of cnidarians and what type of reproduction do they use?

Answer 3

-have two body plans: medusa [floating] and polyp [sessile]
-have an asexual and sexual life cycle

Question 4

how do cnidarians reproduce?

Answer 4

-polyp undergoes asexual budding to produce a medusa
-medusa gonads produce gametes which sexually fertilize to form a zygote
-zygote then grows into a developing polyp

Question 5

what are cnidocytes?

Answer 5

unique cells found on cnidarian tentacles that function in defense & capturing prey