Porifera and Cnideria exam Flashcards

A phylum of hermaphroditic filter feeders, commonly known as sponges, that reproduce both sexually and asexually.

A phylum that includes jellyfish, characterized by a radial body plan and a gastrovascular cavity for nutrient absorption.

The central cavity in sponges, lined with choanocytes for feeding through phagocytosis.

Flagellated cells in sponges that capture food particles and bacteria for feeding through phagocytosis.

Specialized stinging cells in cnidarians that contain nematocysts for capturing prey.

To shoot out a penetrating barb that stings and immobilizes prey, allowing cnidarians to capture and eat it.

One of the two body forms of cnidarians, characterized by a cylindrical body and tentacles, often attached to a surface.

The free-swimming, bell-shaped body form of cnidarians, with tentacles hanging down.

A gelatinous matrix within sponges that separates different regions of the sponge body and contains amoebocytes.

Cells in sponges that create structural fibers and transport nutrients.

A central cavity in cnidarians responsible for digestion and nutrient distribution.

A structure in cnidarians where fluid pressure within the body cavity provides support and shape.

An organism that has both male and female reproductive organs.

A class of cnidarians that includes corals and sea anemones, often with calcium carbonate exoskeletons.

Organisms that feed by straining suspended matter and food particles from water.

The opening in a sponge through which water exits after passing through the spongocoel.

A body plan in which any longitudinal cut through the organism's central axis results in identical halves.

The process by which food is digested within the cells, as seen in sponges.

To digest food and distribute nutrients throughout the organism.

A hard, external structure made of calcium carbonate, found in some cnidarians like corals.

The process by which cells engulf and digest particles, used by choanocytes in sponges.

Describes an organism that is fixed in one place and does not move, although some polyps can detach to escape predators.

Polyps are usually attached to a surface with tentacles facing upward, while medusae are free-swimming with tentacles hanging down.

An animal belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, which includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones.

To create water currents and capture food particles for feeding.

A rigid external covering that provides support and protection, found in some cnidarians like corals.

It allows the organism to interact with the environment from all directions, aiding in feeding and defense.

A taxonomic rank in the biological classification system, grouping together organisms with similar characteristics.