Question

What are the two chief morphological 'body forms' of cnidarians? What are their chief functions?

Answer 1

Most cnidarians possess two body forms in their life histories.  

i. Polyp: the polyp is usually asexual and sessile. It attaches to a substrate at the amoral end, and has a cylindrical body, called the column, and a mouth surrounded by the food gathering tentacles.

ii. Medusa: the medusa is dioecious and free swimming. It is shaped like an inverted bowl, and tentacles dangle from its margins. The mouth opening is centrally located facing downward, and the medusa swims by gentle pulsation of the body wall.

Answer 2

Anatomy of Cnidarian

Explanation:

• The anatomy of cnidarians depends on two different  body types called the polyp (polypoid), which is regularly sessile, and the medusa (medusoid), which is ordinarily free-gliding
• The cnidarian life cycle includes a alternation of generations, where in the life forms can switch between the polyp and medusa structures  
• There are two significant body structures among the Cnidaria is the polyp and the medusa
• Ocean anemones and corals have the polyp structure, while jellyfish are typical medusae