CINDARIA

Apuntes

**CINDARIA** - Tentacles - Gastrovascular cavity - Mouth/Anus **POLYPHYTA (Polyps and Jellyfish)** - Sac-like body with a single opening acting as both mouth and anus. - Polyps are animals that live attached to the substrate (coral, anemone, hydra). - They have two forms: → **Medusa** (freely swimming) → **Polyp** - They are carnivores: they feed on small prey that gets trapped in their tentacles. - Reproduction can be sexual (some species) or asexual. - They have neurons and sensory organs, including photo-receptors: cells sensitive to light. - There are around 10,000 species. - Most have soft bodies, but some secrete a hard skeleton made of calcium carbonate. **CORAL BLEACHING** Coral bleaching is a phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white due to environmental stressors. --- **EQUINODERMS** - Characterized by spiny skin with short, sharp points resembling needles. - Many are carnivores. --- **PLATHELMINTHES** - Some have tiny eyes! - They are among the simplest organisms with organs and systems. - Many are free-living in water, such as planaria. - Others are parasites living inside vertebrates,...