what is polymorphism? Explain it with reference to the structure of obelia.
Answers
Answer:
Polymorphism (meaning):-
(general) The ability to assume different forms or shapes.
(biology) The occurrence of more than one kind or form of organisms of the same species that exist together in one locality. In other words, -The phenomenon of occurrence of an individual in two or more distinct morphological and functional forms.
Obelia:-
Polymorphism is a common feature of coelenterates. It is the phenomenon of presence of several types of zooids in a single colony. These zooids are formed by the modifications of polyps and medusae. These types may include gastrozooids (associated with digestion), dactylozooids ( associated with food capture and protection) and gonozooids (associated with reproduction). Asexual polyos and sexually reproducing medusae are present together in the colony. The term zooid refers to each of the individual of a single colony.
In case of Obelia, a polymorhic polypoid colony gives rise to sexual reproducing solitary medusae and show metagenesis