Cnidaria
Cnidaria (/nɪˈdɛəriə/ ni-DAIR-ee-ə)
Cnidaria is a phylum containing over 11,000 species of aquatic animals found both in freshwater and marine environments, predominantly the latter. The name Cnidaria comes from the Ancient Greek: κνίδη, romanized: knídē, lit. 'nettle' and -aria meaning 'bearing'. They are distinguished by the specialized cells known as cnidocytes, which they use mainly for capturing prey.
Etymology
The term "Cnidaria" is derived from the Greek word "κνίδη" (knídē), which translates to "nettle". The suffix "-aria" signifies "bearing" or "possessing". Thus, "Cnidaria" essentially means "nettle-bearing".
Characteristics
Cnidarians are characterized by the presence of cnidocytes, specialized cells that they use primarily for capturing prey. Their bodies are made of mesoglea, a non-living jelly-like substance, sandwiched between two layers of epithelium that are mostly one cell thick. They have two basic body forms: swimming medusae and sessile polyps, both of which are radially symmetrical with mouths surrounded by tentacles that bear cnidocytes.
Classification
Cnidaria is a phylum under the Animalia kingdom. It is further divided into five classes: Anthozoa, Scyphozoa, Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, and Staurozoa.
Related Terms
- Anthozoa: This class includes species such as sea anemones and corals.
- Scyphozoa: This class includes the true jellyfish.
- Cubozoa: This class includes the deadly box jellies.
- Hydrozoa: This class includes the Portuguese man o' war.
- Staurozoa: This class includes the stalked jellyfishes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cnidaria
- Wikipedia's article - Cnidaria
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