| Popis: |
This chapter describes the taxonomy of scyphozoa and non-colonial hydrozoa. The Phylum Cnidaria assembles highly diverse primitive invertebrates that carry stinging cells called cnida. The presence of cnida, which are organized in specialized structures called cnidocysts (or nematocysts), makes the organisms of this group venomous to varying degrees. The chapter covers their life cycle, ecology, and general morphology. It includes a section that indicates the systematic placement of the taxon described within the tree of life, and lists the key marine representative illustrated in the chapter (usually to genus or family level). This section also provides information on the taxonomic authorities responsible for the classification adopted, recent changes which might have occurred, and lists relevant taxonomic sources. |
