Question

What is medusa?

Answer 1

Medusa:

1. In cnidarians or coelenterates, medusa is a mobile stage with a muscular bell that contracts.
2. The body of medusa is bell or umbrella shaped.
3. Hanging downward from the centre is a stalk-like structure, the manubrium, bearing the mouth at its tip.
4. The mouth opens into the main body cavity, or enteron, which connects with radial canals extending to the outer rim of the bell.
5. The margin of the disk bears sensory organs and tentacles with which they catch their prey.
6. The medusa is a free-swimming form; it moves by rhythmic muscular contractions of the bell, providing a slow propulsive action against the water.
7. It is a more complex and evolved form of cnidarians that is involved in sexual reproduction.