Class Scyphozoa and Class Anthozoa

The Class Scyphozoa consists of the “true” jellies. These animals are typically much larger than hydrozoans and are primarily found in the medusa stage. Scyphozoans typically exhibit a polyp stage that is generally very small and used almost exclusively for asexual reproduction (i.e., budding) of the medusa stage. Some of the adult jellies in this class reach as much as three meters (= 9ft 10in) in diameter.

The Class Anthozoa is represented in California waters primarily by numerous species of sea anemones that live attached to solid substrates in the rocky intertidal on dock pilings, and even on the mudflats of the San Francisco Bay. The genus Metridium is particularly abundant around docks, while the genus Anthopleura is common on mudflats.

Questions

1. What are the two classes of cnidarians discussed in this text?
2. What are the defining characteristics of the Class Scyphozoa?
3. What are some examples of sea anemones that can be found in California waters?

Answers

1. The two classes of cnidarians discussed in this text are Class Scyphozoa and Class Anthozoa.
2. The defining characteristics of the Class Scyphozoa are that they are “true” jellies, they are typically much larger than hydrozoans, and they are primarily found in the medusa stage.
3. Some examples of sea anemones that can be found in California waters are Metridium and Anthopleura.