Questions and Answers
What does the name Coelenterata mean?
Which class of Coelenterata includes jellyfish?
What type of symmetry do most cnidarians exhibit?
Which characteristic is true about Coelenterata?
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What symbiotic relationship do some reef-corals engage in?
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Which of the following is NOT a class within Phylum Coelenterata?
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What are the two main body forms found in Coelenterata?
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Which class of Coelenterata includes the reef-building corals?
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What feature distinguishes Coelenterates from sponges?
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Which order of Coelenterata is characterized by its existence from the Triassic to Recent periods?
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What type of symmetry is typically observed in cnidarians?
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What helps some reef-corals in food production through a symbiotic relationship?
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Study Notes
Overview of Phylum Coelenterata
- Also known as Cnidaria, Coelenterata translates to "hollow gut."
- Contains marine organisms such as corals, sea fans, sea pens, sea anemones, hydras, and jellyfish.
- Considered a medium-sized phylum, more complex than sponges.
Body Structure
- Features two body layers with a mesogloea layer in between.
- Well-developed muscle tissue enhances movement and feeding.
- Possesses a primitive nervous system in most species.
- Exhibits radial or radiobilateral symmetry.
Classes within Coelenterata
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Class Anthozoa: Includes subclasses:
- Ceriantipatheria: No fossil record.
- Octocorallia: Present from Precambrian to Recent.
- Zoantharia: Present from Precambrian to Recent.
- Orders like Tabulata, Rugosa, Scleractinia, Heterocorallia, Cothoniida, Kilbuchophyllida, Numidiaphyllida, Tabulaconida spanning various geological periods.
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Class Hydrozoa: Found from Precambrian to Recent.
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Class Scyphozoa: Also present from Precambrian to Recent.
Feeding and Symbiosis
- Most cnidarians are carnivorous, utilizing stinging cells called nematocysts for capturing prey.
- Certain reef corals have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) that provide additional nutrients, supporting rapid growth.
Phylum Coelenterata Overview
- Known as Cnidaria, the name Coelenterata means "hollow gut"
- Comprises marine organisms such as corals, sea anemones, jellyfish, sea fans, and hydras
- Medium-sized phylum, more complex than sponges, with tissues and simple organs
Body Structure and Symmetry
- Features two body layers, with a third layer called mesogloea between them
- Well-developed muscle tissue present, along with a primitive nervous system in most species
- Exhibits radial or radiobilateral symmetry
Nutrition and Feeding
- Most cnidarians are carnivorous, utilizing stinging cells (nematocysts) to capture prey
- Some reef corals have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) to enhance food supply
Classification of Coelenterata
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Class Anthozoa: Includes subclasses Ceriantipatheria (no fossil record), Octocorallia, and Zoantharia
- Orders: Tabulata, Rugosa, Scleractinia, Heterocorallia, Cothoniida, Kilbuchophyllida, Numidiaphyllida, Tabulaconida
- Class Hydrozoa: Exists from Precambrian to Recent
- Class Scyphozoa: Also spans from Precambrian to Recent
Time Periods
- Significant orders within Anthozoa and their time spans include:
- Order Tabulata: Middle Ordovician to Upper Permian
- Order Rugosa: Late Ordovician to Upper Permian
- Order Scleractinia: Triassic to Recent
- Order Heterocorallia: Upper Devonian to Lower Carboniferous
- Older orders include Cothoniida (Middle Cambrian) and Kilbuchophyllida (Upper Ordovician)
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Description
Explore the diverse and fascinating world of Phylum Coelenterata, also known as Cnidaria. This quiz delves into the classifications, including the various subclasses and orders of these aquatic animals. Perfect for students of biology interested in the intricacies of animal taxonomy.
