What is Medusa?
Medusae are organisms that have bell-shaped bodies and are free-swimming, using their trailing tentacles to catch prey. They reproduce sexually and have specialized sensory structures called rhopalia that help them sense their environment. They are larger than polyps and have a shorter lifespan.
Similarities between polyps and medusae
- Both polyps and medusae have a layer of jelly-like material called mesoglea, which provides structural support and allows for movement.
- Polyps and medusae both possess tentacles armed with stinging cells called cnidocytes. These cells are used for defense, feeding, and capturing prey.
- Polyps and medusae are both derived from a single ancestral form, and they represent two different stages in the cnidarian life cycle.
- Both polyps and medusae are capable of asexual and sexual reproduction
Difference Between Polyp and Medusa
Polyp and Medusa are two body forms found in the phylum Cnidaria, which includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. These two forms represent different stages in the life cycle of these organisms.
Polyps are typically cylindrical or vase-shaped organisms that attach themselves to a substrate, such as a rock or a shell. They have a mouth surrounded by tentacles that are used for feeding and defense. Medusae, on the other hand, are free-swimming jellyfish-like organisms that have bell-shaped bodies and trailing tentacles.
Also Read: Phylum Cnidaria
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