Anthozoa
Anthozoa
Anthozoa (/ænˈθoʊzoʊə/; from the Greek words άνθος, ánthos meaning "flower" and ζώα, zṓa meaning "animals") is a class within the phylum Cnidaria that includes the sea anemones and corals.
Etymology
The term "Anthozoa" comes from the Greek words άνθος, ánthos meaning "flower" and ζώα, zṓa meaning "animals". This name is in reference to the flower-like appearance of the polyps of many species.
Characteristics
Anthozoans are defined by their solitary or colonial polypoid body plan. A polyp is essentially an elongated body with one end, the oral end, bearing the mouth and surrounded by a ring of tentacles. Unlike other cnidarians, anthozoans do not have a medusoid stage in their development. Instead, they release sperm and eggs that form a planula, which attaches to the substrate and develops into a new polyp.
Classification
Anthozoans are divided into three subclasses: Hexacorallia, which includes the stony corals and sea anemones; Octocorallia, which includes the soft corals and gorgonians; and Ceriantharia, which includes the tube-dwelling anemones.
Related Terms
- Cnidaria: The phylum that includes the anthozoans, along with jellyfish, box jellies, and hydrozoans.
- Hexacorallia: A subclass of anthozoans that includes the stony corals and sea anemones.
- Octocorallia: A subclass of anthozoans that includes the soft corals and gorgonians.
- Ceriantharia: A subclass of anthozoans that includes the tube-dwelling anemones.
- Polyp: The body form of anthozoans, characterized by an elongated body with a mouth surrounded by a ring of tentacles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anthozoa
- Wikipedia's article - Anthozoa
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