Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

31. Invertebrates

Porifera and Cnideria

General Biology

31. Invertebrates

Porifera and Cnideria

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1:16 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Which of these characteristics does not apply to cnidarians?
a. Are diploblastic
b. Possess a gastrovascular cavity with one opening
c. Undergo metamorphosis
d. Have a central nervous system

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the characteristics of cnidarians: Cnidarians are a group of animals that include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. They are known for their radial symmetry, diploblastic tissue organization (having two germ layers: ectoderm and endoderm), and a gastrovascular cavity with a single opening that serves as both mouth and anus.

Review the term 'diploblastic': Diploblastic organisms develop from two primary germ layers during embryonic development. This is a defining feature of cnidarians, so option 'a' applies to them.

Examine the gastrovascular cavity: Cnidarians possess a gastrovascular cavity with one opening, which is used for both ingestion and excretion. This characteristic matches option 'b'.

Analyze metamorphosis: Some cnidarians, such as jellyfish, undergo metamorphosis during their life cycle, transitioning from a polyp stage to a medusa stage. This means option 'c' applies to them.

Consider the central nervous system: Cnidarians do not have a central nervous system. Instead, they have a decentralized nerve net that coordinates their movements and responses. Therefore, option 'd' does not apply to cnidarians.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cnidarian Characteristics

Cnidarians are a group of animals that include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. They are characterized by their radial symmetry, presence of specialized cells called cnidocytes for capturing prey, and a simple body plan that includes a gastrovascular cavity. This cavity serves both digestive and circulatory functions, allowing for the distribution of nutrients throughout the organism.

Diploblastic Organization

Diploblastic organisms, like cnidarians, develop from two primary germ layers: the ectoderm and endoderm. This contrasts with triploblastic organisms, which have a third layer called the mesoderm. The diploblastic structure contributes to the simpler body organization of cnidarians, influencing their physiological functions and overall morphology.

Nervous System in Cnidarians

Cnidarians possess a decentralized nerve net rather than a central nervous system. This nerve net allows for basic responses to environmental stimuli, but it lacks the complexity found in organisms with a central nervous system. As a result, cnidarians do not exhibit behaviors associated with higher nervous systems, such as learning or complex movement patterns.

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