Phylum Cnidaria
Jellyfish, Corals, and other stingers
By: Lauren Wiley and Allison Makovec
Characteristics and Adaptations
Charicteristics
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All these creatures are radially symmetric
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These organisms have special cells on their tentacles containing organelle that sting their prey to death.
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All possess two layers of tissue in their body, the top containing specialized shock cells
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They all special barbs on their tentacles that stick to their pray which enhances the sting
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Most are carnivores or they are filter feeders
Adaptations
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Some species of Jellyfish have adapted to live in freshwater, like lakes and streams
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Cnidaria such as Jellyfish have a special adaptation of their structure that helps them navigate about the water, called a Hydrostatic Skeleton
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Since a Cnidarian sting usually wont kill a potential predator, most have adapted to inject poison into larger predators to protect themselves.