Question

Cubozoans are ________.

a. polyps

b. medusoids

c. polymorphs

d. sponges

Short answer

Option c is the correct option.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

This category comprises jellies with square-sectioned bells or medusae, which are commonly referred to as "box jellyfish." Overall morphological and anatomical traits of cubozoans are comparable to those of scyphozoans. The placement of tentacles is a clear distinction between the two classes. Of all the cnidarian species, this one is the most poisonous.

The explanation for the correct answer.

Similar to scyphozoans, these polyps exhibit limited motility along the substrate and may bud to produce other polyps to colonise a habitat. Then, the polyp forms change into medusoid forms.

The explanation for the incorrect options.

• The four classes that make up the phylum Cnidaria are Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, and Anthozoa.
• Cnidarians can have either polyp or medusa body designs, which are two different body forms. The predominant body plan of Cubozoans is not polyp.
• There are polymorphs when there are more than two phenotypes in a population. Polymorphs are not cubozoans.
• Instead of the phylum Cnidaria, sponges belong to the phylum Porifera. Cnidaria is a phylum that includes cubozoans.