Biology · Kingdom Animalia
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Polymorphism is characteristic feature of
- A
Porifera
- B
Cnidaria
- C
Annelida
- D
Nematodes
Polymorphism refers to occurrence of more than one individual in a single organism, and is a characteristic feature of Cnidarians
Polymorphism is not a characteristic feature of Porifera. Porifera, also known as sponges, exhibit cellular level of organization and lack specialized tissues or organs.
Polymorphism refers to the existence of different morphological forms in the life cycle of an organism. Cnidarians, which include jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones, exhibit polymorphism by having a medusa form (free swimming jellyfish-like form) and a polyp form (sessile, cylindrical form). Some species of cnidarians even have multiple polyp forms, each with a different function. For example, in a colonial hydrozoan such as Obelia, there are feeding polyps, reproductive polyps, and defensive polyps, all interconnected by a shared gastrovascular cavity.
Polymorphism is not a characteristic feature of Annelida. Annelids, such as earthworms and leeches, exhibit segmentation but not the distinct polymorphic forms seen in Cnidaria.
Polymorphism is not a characteristic feature of Nematodes. Nematodes, or roundworms, exhibit a relatively simple body plan and lack the diverse specialized forms found in Cnidaria
Tagged under Biology · Kingdom Animalia · 2012