coelenterate

views updated May 29 2018

coelenterate Alternative name for members of the phylum Cnidaria – aquatic animals which include the jellyfish, sea anemone, coral, and hydroids. Characterized by a digestive cavity that forms the main body, they may have been the first animal group to reach the tissue level of organization. Coelenterates are radially symmetrical, jelly-like, and have a nerve net and one body opening. Reproduction is sexual and asexual; regeneration also occurs. There are c.9,000 species.

coelenterate

views updated May 18 2018

coe·len·ter·ate / siˈlentəˌrāt; -rət/ • n. Zool. an aquatic invertebrate animal of the phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata), which includes jellyfishes, corals, and sea anemones. They are distinguished by having a tube- or cup-shaped body. Also called cnidarian.

coelenterate

views updated May 18 2018

coelenterate An invertebrate animal with a radially symmetrical body, a body wall consisting of two cell layers, and a body cavity (gastrovascular cavity) that communicates with the outside via a single opening, the mouth. Coelenterates include hydras, jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals (see Cnidaria) and also the comb jellies (see Ctenophora).

Coelenterata

views updated May 29 2018

Coelenterata The name formerly given to a phylum comprising both Cnidaria and Ctenophora. Today, when these two groups are universally separated in different phyla, the term ‘Coelenterata’ is sometimes used as a synonym for Cnidaria alone.

Coelenterata

views updated May 08 2018

Coelenterata Name formerly applied to a phylum comprising both Cnidaria and Ctenophora. Today, when these two groups are universally separated in different phyla, the term ‘Coelenterata’ is sometimes used as a synonym for Cnidaria alone.