SPECIES INFO
This class contains the jelly fish. There are about 200 marine species in this phylum. None are known in fresh water. Some species float on top of the ocean and use wind for propulsion, and others swim below the surface. The swimming species are frequently shaped like an umbrella which contracts and expands and provides locomotion. These animals have radial symmetry that is divided into four sections.
Corals and Hydra Phylum (Phylum Coelenterata = Cynidaria) are a group of primitive aquatic animals. This phylum contains about 10,000 species. Following are the three main classes:
Class Hydrozoa: - Polyps and Medusae
Class Scyphozoa: - Jellyfish
Class Anthozoa: - Sea Anemones/Corals
This group of animals are unusual as there are two forms for most species. The "medusa" form is free swimming, and the "polyp" form which is usually attached to a substrate.
Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
