Cnidarians

CRC Press eBooks 2026 Book chapter

View at publisher
Authors: Gary M. Wessel, Julian L. Wong, Carmen J. Williams, Mark A. Johnson, Harvey M. Florman
DOI: 10.1201/9781003148401-24
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Cnidaria is a diverse phylum of aquatic animals that forms a sister group to Bilateria. Some cnidarian species lead a sessile, benthic lifestyle (polyp) while others are pelagic, inhabiting the open water column (medusa). Their life cycles can be complex, alternating between sessile polyp stages with a pelagic medusa form, and sexual reproduction is often restricted to a particular stage within a species’s life cycle. Members of this Glade have both sexual and asexual phases, a broad array of mechanisms to determine sex, well-defined stem cells, and remarkable regenerative capabilities.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology Planarian Biology and Electrostimulation Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation

Publication details

Journal / source
CRC Press eBooks
Pages
369–376
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Book chapter