Question

Cubozoans are _____. a. polyps b. medusoids c. polymorphs d. sponges

Short answer

b. medusoids

Step-by-step solution

Understand What Cubozoans Are

Cubozoans, also commonly known as box jellyfish, are members of the phylum Cnidaria, just like jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. These marine creatures have a cube-like shape, hence the name "cubozoans."

Analyze the Options

To answer this question, let's analyze each option provided: - a. Polyps: Polyps are sessile forms of cnidarians, typically resembling an upright cylindrical structure with a mouth surrounded by tentacles. These are seen in corals and sea anemones, but not in cubozoans. - b. Medusoids: Medusoids or medusas are the free-swimming stage of cnidarians, similar to jellyfish. They have a bell-shaped body with tentacles dangling beneath. This is a better description of cubozoans than polyps. - c. Polymorphs: This option could refer to either organisms with multiple forms in their life cycle or organisms that display genetic polymorphism. While cnidarians do have multiple forms in their life cycle (polyp and medusa), using the term "polymorphs" to describe Cubozoans is not accurate or specific enough. - d. Sponges: Sponges are another group of marine organisms, belonging to the phylum Porifera. They are not closely related to Cubozoans, and thus this option is incorrect.

Choose the Correct Option

Considering the information and analysis of each option, the most appropriate description for Cubozoans is "medusoids" as they resemble the medusa stage of cnidarians. Thus, the correct answer is: b. medusoids

Key concepts

Phylum Cnidaria

Understanding the phylum Cnidaria is essential to grasp the characteristics of Cubozoans. This phylum includes a diverse range of marine organisms like jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. What unites them is the presence of cnidocytes, which are specialized cells used mainly for defense and capturing prey. These cells contain organelles called nematocysts that can inject toxins into their targets.
The phylum is characterized by two primary body forms: polyp and medusa. Polyps are typically sessile and attach themselves to a surface. They have a tube-like body with a mouth encircled by tentacles on one end. On the other hand, the medusa form is more mobile, adopting a bell-like shape that is perfect for swimming in water. As such, Cubozoans fall under this category.

• Cnidarians are mainly known for their life cycles that can switch between polyp and medusa forms.
• They reproduce in fascinating ways, often alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction.
• They are found widely distributed in marine environments, from shallow waters to the deep sea.

Medusoids

Medusoids are a crucial life stage of many members of the phylum Cnidaria, characterized by their free-swimming nature. In the medusa form, organisms like Cubozoans exhibit a recognizable bell shape. This structure allows them to easily maneuver through the ocean waters. For Cubozoans, their bell is distinctly cube-like, contributing to their name.
Medusoids have a mouth located on the underside of the bell, surrounded by tentacles. These tentacles contain the nematocysts necessary for capturing prey, which is mostly small marine organisms. The medusa form allows for more extended mobility, increasing the habitat range and chances of survival for these creatures.

• The medusa's structure is well-suited for a planktonic lifestyle, drifting and swimming with ocean currents.
• This form is often involved in sexual reproduction, where they release eggs and sperm into the water.
• Cubozoans are highly venomous among medusoids, necessitating caution when encountered in the wild.

Marine Biology

Marine biology is a vast field that explores the life forms inhabiting oceanic environments, including the intriguing Cubozoans. Marine biologists study how these organisms interact with their ecosystem, contributing to the ocean's biological diversity. Understanding Cubozoans, their venom, behavior, and ecology is essential for marine researchers.
These creatures, although fascinating, are part of complex food webs and show significant relationships with their surroundings. By studying marine biology, researchers can learn about the roles of organisms like Cubozoans in nitric and carbon cycles within ocean habitats.

• Marine biology offers insights into the adaptation mechanisms of sea life, including temperature tolerance and symbiosis.
• This field helps understand the impacts of human activities like pollution and overfishing on marine organisms.
• Research in marine biology can lead to discoveries of new species and the medicinal properties of marine toxins.