Question

How are cnidarians harmful to humans?

Answer 1

Cnidarians:

1. Cnidarian is also called coelenterate.
2. They are mostly marine environment species, comes under phylum Cnidaria and kingdom Animalia.
3. These are aquatic species having radial symmetry, tissue-level organization, and the presence of cnidoblasts with stinging nematocysts on tentacles.
4. They show polymorphism( two body forms- polyp and medusa).
5. Cnidarians are harmful to humans as they have nematocysts present in their bodies.
6. Cnidarians can inject nematocysts which can produce painful stings which result in burning welts on the skin.
7. Example- Physalia, Portuguese man of war, Sea anemones of Actinodendron genus.