The document summarizes key characteristics of the phylum Cnidaria. Cnidaria exhibit radial symmetry and have two basic body plans - either diploblastic or with radial canals extending from a central gastrovascular cavity. They possess cnidocytes or cnidae, which are capsule-like organelles used to capture prey. The phylum contains four classes: Anthozoa, Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, and Cubozoa.

1. Cnidaria

2. Technicalities Two variations on body plan: Cnidaria? Radial symmetry Diploblastic No true body cavity Embryo has only ectoderm and endoderm Central gastrovascular cavity Cnidae (Nematocysts)

3. Hello, my name is… Sometimes referred to as Coelenterata, phylum Cnidaria consists of aquatic, invertebrate animals. Characteristic of animals within this phylum are radial symmetry, a gastrovascular cavity, and cnidae (capsule-like organelles capable of everting). Cnidaria may be broken up into four classes:

4. Anthozoa coral Sea pen Anemone

5. Hydrozoa

6. Scyphozoa Cubozoa back

7. For the billionth time… Radial symmetry... IN ACTION! back

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9. Nematocyst

10. References “ Cnidaria.” Wikipedia. 2008. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 4 February 2008 < http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cnidaria >. Collins, Allen. “Introduction to Cnidaria.” University of California Museum of Paleontology. 2006. UCMP. 4 February 2008 < http:// www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/cnidaria/cnidaria.html >. Macer, Darryl. “Bioethics Dictionary.” Eubios Ethics Institute. 2008. Eubios Ethics Institute. 4 February 2008 < http:// www.eubios.info/biodict.htm >. “ Sea Pen.” Wikipedia. 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 4 February 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_pen>. Campbell, Neil. “Invertebrates.” Biology. Seventh Edition. Ed. Beth Wilbur. San Francisco: Pearson Education, 2005. 643-645.

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