Question

What is polymorphism and explain it with the example of obelia colony with anse?

Answer 1

Polymorphism may be defined as the “phenom­enon of existence of different physiological and morphological forms represented by an extensive range of variation within a single species”. In simple terms it can be defined as the existence of zooids in different forms and functions within a single species.

Obelia shows polymorphism in the following:

1.     Polyps are for feeding the colony

2.    Blastostyles for budding

3.    Medusae for disseminating gametes