Phylum Cnidaria Class Scyphozoa Flashcards

Study Notes

Body Structure of Cnidaria Class Scyphozoa

Soft body consists of a hollow central cavity filled with mesoglea, a jelly-like material.
Tentacles equipped with nematocysts are utilized for capturing small prey.
Some jellyfish possess painful stings, and discharged nematocysts can regenerate in 48 hours.
Dead jellyfish retain the ability to sting due to remaining stinging cells.
Jellyfish exhibit separate sexes.
Body structure comprises only two tissue layers.

Life Cycle of a Jellyfish

Life cycle characteristics not provided.

Types of Jellyfish

Includes notable species such as:
- Portuguese Man-Of-War (Physalia): A colonial organism, not a true jellyfish.
- Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia): The most prevalent species.
- Sea Anemones: Related marine entities, often mistaken for jellyfish due to appearance.

Portuguese Man-Of-War (Physalia)

Classified as a colonial organism, consisting of multiple interconnected individuals.
Tentacles can extend up to 60 feet long, displaying a bluish color.

Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia)

Recognized as the most common jellyfish species found in various marine habitats.
Generally considered relatively harmless to humans.
Primarily feeds on copepods, small crustaceans integral to aquatic ecosystems.

Sea Anemones

Extend tentacles resembling flower petals during display.
Closed tentacles may resemble a doorknob shape when retracted.
Possess powerful stings due to nematocysts, serving both defense and prey capture.
Display a broad spectrum of colors, enhancing their visual appeal in marine environments.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of jellyfish with these flashcards focused on their body structure and life cycle. Learn key definitions and interesting facts about the Scyphozoa class in the phylum Cnidaria. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of marine biology.