Coelenterata: meaning, definitions and examples
🌊
Coelenterata
[ siːlɛnˈtɛərətə ]
biology classification
Coelenterata is a phylum of simple, aquatic invertebrates that includes cnidarians like jellyfish, corals, and hydras. These organisms are characterized by their gelatinous bodies and a single body cavity, which serves as both mouth and anus. They exhibit various forms and behaviors, typically being aquatic and often possessing specialized cells called cnidocytes for capturing prey.
Synonyms
cnidarians, corals, jellyfish.
Examples of usage
- The coelenterata, such as jellyfish, can be found in oceans worldwide.
- Many coelenterata species have symbiotic relationships with marine algae.
- Coelenterata exhibit a range of body forms from polyps to medusas.
Etymology
The term 'Coelenterata' originates from the Greek words 'koilos', meaning 'hollow', and 'enteron', meaning 'intestine'. This reflects the characteristic feature of these organisms having a single hollow cavity that functions in digestion and circulation. The phylum was first described in the late 19th century as biologists sought to classify marine life based on common structural and functional features. Early researchers recognized the unique traits of animals such as jellyfish and corals, which led to the establishment of Coelenterata as a distinct group in the animal kingdom. As scientific understanding evolved, the classification system was refined, and many species initially grouped within Coelenterata were later reclassified into the more specific phyla of Cnidaria and Ctenophora. Despite this, the term retains historical significance in the study of marine biodiversity.