coelenterata
/si:,lentə'reitə/
Definition
- Noun:
- A major taxonomic phylum of invertebrate animals: "Coelenterata" refers to a phylum of simple aquatic animals characterized by a single internal cavity serving for digestion and circulation, radial symmetry, and specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes. This group includes organisms such as jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras.
- An obsolete taxonomic grouping: In modern biological classification, the term "Coelenterata" is considered outdated, as it historically combined two distinct phyla (Cnidaria and Ctenophora). It is now more precise to use the separate phyla names.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The study of Coelenterata provides insights into early animal evolution.
- Many organisms formerly classified under Coelenterata, like jellyfish, are now placed in the phylum Cnidaria.
Advanced Usage
- In historical or educational contexts: The term may be used when discussing the history of zoological classification.
- The textbook explained that the old phylum Coelenterata has been subdivided.
Variants and Related Words
- Cnidaria (n): The modern phylum containing jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras.
- Corals and sea anemones are members of the phylum Cnidaria.
- Ctenophora (n): The phylum containing comb jellies, which were once grouped with Coelenterata.
- Comb jellies, or ctenophores, are now recognized as a separate phylum from Cnidaria.
- Coelenterate (n): An individual animal belonging to the Coelenterata.
- The coelenterate displayed a simple radial body plan.
Synonyms
- Cnidarians (when referring specifically to the phylum Cnidaria, which constitutes the majority of former coelenterates).
- Radiate animals (a descriptive term emphasizing their radial symmetry).
Related Phrases
- Coelenterate grade of organization: A biological term describing a simple body plan with two tissue layers and a gastrovascular cavity.
- The coelenterate grade of organization is a key step in animal complexity.
Related Idioms
Noun
-
hydras; polyps; jellyfishes; sea anemones; corals
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