Question

Describe genreral organization and effitiny of hormiphora

Answer 1

The basic plan of the ctenophores can be best illustrated with reference to the gener­alised genus, Hormiphora. Hormiphora plumosa is found in the Mediterranean. Its closely allied genus, Pleurobrachia is found all over the world as a common pelagic form. In the present text the genus Hormiphora is described as a typical representative of the phylum. It is a typical example of Ctenophora which includes variety of forms.

Due to diverse adaptive radiation, the different members of this group exhibit wide structural variations. Despite such diversities, the basic organisa­tion remains the same in all the cases.

All the ctenophores have transparent gelatinous bodies and are commonly known as ‘Comb- jellies’ because of the presence of ciliated comb-like plates or Costae on the body. Each plate or band is made up of partially fused long cilia and called a ctene. These plates are of paramount significance because the phylum owes its name to these structures.