Phylum Ctenophora
Have you ever snorkeled in the deep water and come across a lightning-clear critter that looks like a jellyfish and reflects a stunning rainbow-like effect? Ctenophores resemble jellyfish but do not belong to the Phylum Cnidaria. These species are members of the Phylum Ctenophora. This Phylum is not as well known as other animal kingdom species.
Ctenophores are soft-bodied, free-swimming marine animals having biradial symmetry and comb-like ciliary plates for movement. They are devoid of nematocytes. They are also known as sea walnuts or comb jellies. Members of this Phylum are exclusively aquatic creatures that live on the ocean’s surface or at its bottom. Comb Jellies are another name for them. This article will provide previously discovered information about the Phylum Ctenophora.
Definition of Ctenophora Phylum
Comb jellies are another name for Phylum Ctenophora. This Phylum is made up of bi-radially (radial + bilateral) symmetrical marine water invertebrates, most of which are transparent and colorful. This Phylum’s species are mostly found in aquatic habitats and do not live in freshwater. Animals in this Phylum include the Sea Walnut, Sea Gooseberries, Venus Girdle, and others.
Classification
Ctenophores are classified into two groups and many orders based on their body shapes and features Ctenophora is split into two groups based on the presence or lack of tentacles.
- Class-1 Tentaculate is a class of organisms that have tentacles.
- Class-2 Nuda means without tentacles.
Phylum Ctenophora
Animals are multicellular eukaryotic organisms that belong to the Kingdom Animalia. Every animal has distinct traits. They get their energy either from plants or from other creatures. Millions of species have been recognized, with some sharing similar features and others differing dramatically. The traits of animals are used to classify them. They are found in algae, plants, and fungi when solid cell walls do not exist. Some are also heterotrophic, digesting their food within internal chambers, which distinguishes them from algae and plants. Another distinguishing feature of these species is their mobility, especially during particular life phases.