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What kind of appendages are present in coelenterates?

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Coelenterates (phylum Cnidaria) possess tentacles as their primary appendages. These specialized structures surround the mouth and serve multiple functions:

  • Prey capture: Tentacles are armed with specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes or nematocysts that inject toxins to paralyze prey
  • Defense: Protection against predators through stinging capabilities
  • Food manipulation: Moving captured prey toward the mouth
  • Sensory functions: Detecting chemical and mechanical stimuli in the environment

Examples include the tentacles of jellyfish, sea anemones, hydra, and corals. The number, length, and arrangement of tentacles vary among different cnidarian species.

General · Class 12