COELENTERATA Meaning and
Definition
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Coelenterata is a scientific term used to refer to a phylum of marine animals, also known as Cnidaria. This phylum is characterized by the presence of specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain nematocysts, or stinging cells. Coelenterata encompasses a diverse group of animals, including jellyfish, sea anemones, corals, and hydras.
Members of the coelenterata phylum typically have a radially symmetric body plan, meaning that their body parts are arranged around a central axis, much like spokes on a wheel. They possess a sac-like structure called a gastrovascular cavity, where digestion takes place. Coelenterates also have a single body opening that serves as both the mouth and anus. Their bodies consist of two cell layers, an outer epidermis and an inner gastrodermis, separated by a non-cellular layer called the mesoglea.
These fascinating creatures demonstrate a wide range of sizes, from microscopic individuals to large, complex colonial organisms, such as coral reefs. Many coelenterates are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making them a focal point of marine ecosystems.
Coelenterata are primarily marine animals, inhabiting various habitats including shallow waters, deep sea environments, and coral reefs. They exhibit diverse feeding behaviors, with some being filter feeders, others being carnivorous predators, and some having a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae.
Overall, the coelenterata phylum represents a remarkable group of animals that play important ecological roles in marine ecosystems while captivating us with their beauty and diversity.
Common Misspellings for COELENTERATA
- xoelenterata
- voelenterata
- foelenterata
- doelenterata
- cielenterata
- ckelenterata
- clelenterata
- cpelenterata
- c0elenterata
- c9elenterata
- cowlenterata
- coslenterata
- codlenterata
- corlenterata
- co4lenterata
- co3lenterata
- coekenterata
- coepenterata
- coeoenterata
- celenterata
- colenterata
- coleenterata
- coelentera
Etymology of COELENTERATA
The word "Coelenterata" is derived from the Greek words "koilos" meaning "hollow" and "enteron" meaning "intestine" or "gut". The term was coined by French zoologist Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire in 1816 to describe a group of animals characterized by their hollow body cavity (coelenteron), which includes organisms such as jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydra. However, the classification of Coelenterata is no longer used in modern scientific taxonomy, as these organisms are now placed in separate phyla.
Similar spelling words for COELENTERATA
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