PHYLUM COELENTERATA Meaning and
Definition
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Phylum Coelenterata, also known as Cnidaria, is a taxonomic group of organisms that includes diverse marine animals characterized by their specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain stinging organelles called nematocysts. This phylum consists of typically radially symmetric animals that possess a central body cavity called a coelenteron. Examples of organisms belonging to Phylum Coelenterata include jellyfish, sea anemones, corals, and hydroids.
These animals are typically diploblastic, meaning they have two germ layers - the outer epidermis and the inner gastrodermis - separated by a jelly-like layer called the mesoglea. The body plan of Phylum Coelenterata generally consists of a sac-like structure, with a single opening serving as the mouth and anus. This opening is surrounded by tentacles, which are equipped with cnidocytes that are used for capturing prey, defense, and self-protection.
The life cycle of these organisms often includes both asexual and sexual reproduction, with a diverse range of reproductive strategies observed within this phylum. Some species exhibit a polyp stage, where the animal is sessile and attached to a substrate, while others undergo a medusa stage, where they are free-swimming. Some members of Phylum Coelenterata also exhibit a remarkable colonial lifestyle, forming extensive coral reefs and other intricate structures that provide habitats for numerous marine species.
Overall, Phylum Coelenterata represents a diverse group of marine organisms that display unique anatomical adaptations and ecological roles within marine ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for PHYLUM COELENTERATA
- ohylum coelenterata
- lhylum coelenterata
- -hylum coelenterata
- 0hylum coelenterata
- pgylum coelenterata
- pbylum coelenterata
- pnylum coelenterata
- pjylum coelenterata
- puylum coelenterata
- pyylum coelenterata
- phtlum coelenterata
- phglum coelenterata
- phhlum coelenterata
- phulum coelenterata
- ph7lum coelenterata
- ph6lum coelenterata
- phykum coelenterata
- phypum coelenterata
- phyoum coelenterata
Etymology of PHYLUM COELENTERATA
The word "Phylum Coelenterata" has a Greek and Latin etymology.
The term "Phylum" is derived from the Greek word "phylon", meaning race or tribe. In biological taxonomy, phylum refers to a major category or division of organisms.
The word "Coelenterata" is a Latinized term derived from the Greek words "koilos", meaning hollow, and "enteron", meaning gut or intestine. It was originally coined by French zoologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1809 to describe a group of animals characterized by a central cavity or gastrovascular system, which includes organisms like jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals.
However, it is important to note that the term "Coelenterata" is no longer used in modern classification systems.
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