Flag 11 grade biology others> Write scientific classification of jellyf...
question mark

Write scientific classification of jellyfish? Give characteristics of it?

Aniket Singh , 9 Months ago
Grade
anser 1 Answers
Askiitians Tutor Team

Scientific Classification of Jellyfish:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Scyphozoa (true jellyfish) or Cubozoa (box jellyfish)
Order: Various, depending on the specific species
Family: Various, depending on the specific species
Genus: Various, depending on the specific species
Species: Numerous species within each genus

Characteristics of Jellyfish:

Cnidarian Anatomy: Jellyfish belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which includes other animals like corals and sea anemones. They have a relatively simple body plan characterized by two tissue layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and the gastrodermis (inner layer). Between these layers is a jelly-like substance called mesoglea.

Radial Symmetry: Jellyfish exhibit radial symmetry, meaning their bodies are organized around a central axis. This symmetry allows them to have multiple identical body parts radiating out from a central point.

Gelatinous Body: Jellyfish are mostly transparent or translucent and have a gelatinous, bell-shaped body known as the "medusa." This bell-shaped structure helps them move through the water.

Tentacles: Jellyfish have long, stinging tentacles that trail behind them. These tentacles are equipped with specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain nematocysts. These stinging cells are used for capturing prey and for defense.

Nematocysts: Nematocysts are tiny, harpoon-like structures within the cnidocytes of a jellyfish's tentacles. When triggered, nematocysts shoot out and inject venom into their prey, immobilizing or killing it.

Simple Nervous System: Jellyfish have a basic, decentralized nervous system consisting of a nerve net. This allows them to respond to external stimuli but does not provide the complexity of a centralized brain.

Floating and Drifting: Jellyfish are primarily marine animals that are capable of free-floating and drifting with the ocean currents. They are not strong swimmers and rely on water currents for movement.

Carnivorous Diet: Jellyfish are carnivorous and mainly feed on small fish and plankton that come into contact with their tentacles. They use their stinging tentacles to paralyze and capture prey before transporting it to their central mouth for digestion.

Reproduction: Jellyfish have both sexual and asexual reproduction. They can release eggs and sperm into the water for external fertilization or reproduce asexually by budding, where a small polyp gives rise to a medusa.

Lifecycle: The life cycle of a jellyfish typically involves several stages, including a larval stage, a polyp stage, and the medusa stage. The medusa stage is the one most people associate with jellyfish due to its characteristic bell shape.

It's important to note that there are various species of jellyfish, and while they share many of these general characteristics, there can be significant variations in size, color, behavior, and habitat preferences among different species. Additionally, some species of jellyfish are known for their potent and sometimes dangerous stings, such as box jellyfish, which can be deadly to humans.

Last Activity: 9 Months ago
star
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Prepraring for the competition made easy just by live online class.

tv

Full Live Access

material

Study Material

removal

Live Doubts Solving

assignment

Daily Class Assignments