Question

Polyp produces medusa by

• A. sexual reproduction
• B. binary fission
• C. asexual reproduction
• D. budding

Answer 1

Answer:

C. asexual reproduction

• Cnidarians exhibit two basic body forms called polyp and medusa.
• The Polyp is a sessile and cylindrical form like Hydra, Adamsia, etc. whereas, the Medusa is umbrella-shaped and free-swimming like Aurelia or jelly fish.
• Those cnidarians which exist in both forms exhibit alternation of generation (Metagenesis), i.e., polyps produce medusae asexually and medusae form the polyps sexually (e.g., Obelia).

Examples:

• Physalia (Portuguese man-of-war)
• Adamsia (Sea anemone)
• Pennatula (Sea-pen)
• Gorgonia (Sea-fan)
• Meandrina (Brain coral)