Life on the Move
Cnidarians
Level of Organization
Cnidarians achieve a tissue organization, but organs are not present. Specialized cells group together to create tissues.
http://bio.sunyorange.edu/updated2/pl%20new/10%20cnidarians%20and%20worms.htm
Germ Layers
Cnidarians have 2 germ layers: Ectoderm and Endoderm layers
http://www.rlasd.k12.pa.us/teachers/barshinger/module/cnidaria.htm
Symmetry
Cniadarians have radical symmetry. They radiate from the center and if divided down the central axis, they will be symmetrical.
http://users.tamuk.edu/kfjab02/Biology/BIOLOGY%20II/Taxa/b1313_ch18.htm
Cephalization
Cnidarians do not have cephalization.
Body Cavity
They lack a body cavity, but do have a gastrovascular cavity which helps them digest food. This is one big area in the Cnidarian.
http://www.okc.cc.ok.us/biologylabs/Documents/Animals_2/Cnidaria.htm
Segmentation
Cnidarians do not have segmentation
Digestive System
Their tentacles inject prey with toxins and ener the prey through the mouth into the gastrovascular cavity. Nutrients is stored in the food vacuoles.
http://bioserv.fiu.edu/~walterm/GenBio2004/new_chap43_digestion/digestion.htm
Ciculatory System
They do not have/need a circulatory sytem because they obsorb oxygen through their thin bodies.
Respiratory System
They do not have a respiratory system. They get oxygen through the water which is filtered through their thin bodies. Their body can diffuse water in and out of it.
Excretory System
They consume food and get rid of waste through the same spot.
Nervous System
Cnidarians have a nerve net which is not centralized and is only associated with simple sensory structures. They can detect and respond to stimuli in all directions.
http://bioserv.fiu.edu/~walterm/Fund_Sp2004/nervous/nervous_text.htm
Reproduction
Cnidarians have both asexual and sexual reproduction. The two stages alternate and one produces the other.
http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/ppt-9-animal-diversity/deck/762937
Support
Cnidarians have a hydrostatic "skeleton." Meslogea is the endoskeleton and chitin is their exoskeleton.
http://www.darwinsgalapagos.com/animals/cnidaria_jellyfish_coral_sea_anemone.htm