Question

Consider the following statements during the alternation of generation or metagenesis in dimorphic cnidarians, the polyps are:
(1) Sedentary
(2) Free living
(3) Polyp forms the medusa sexually
(4) Polyp forms the medusa asexually
Which of the following given statements are correct?

• A. 1, 3 and 4 are correct
• B. 1 and 4 are correct
• C. 2, 3 and 4 are correct
• D. 1, 2 and 3 are correct

Answer 1

The correct option is B 1 and 4 are correct

Cnidarians exhibit two basic body forms called polyp and medusa. The polyp is a sessile or sedentary and cylindrical form like Hydra, Adamsia, etc. whereas the medusa is umbrella-shaped and free-swimming like Aurelia or jelly fish. Those cnidarians which exist in both forms exhibit alternation of generation (metagenesis), i.e., polyps produce medusae asexually and medusae form the polyps sexually.