Question

Which of the following is true about Hydra?
(a) Marine
(b) Bilateral symmetry
(c) Carnivorous
(d) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Hydra is found within inland freshwater systems in Europe, Asia, and America. Their body parts are arranged around a central axis like rays. Hydras are predatory organisms. They eat insect larvae, larval fish, worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates.

Complete answer:
Hydra is carnivorous. Hydras are small organisms and belong to the class Hydrozoa. They live in temperate and tropical regions. The body of hydra is around 10 mm long when extended. It possesses a simple adhesive foot called the basal disc. By using this foot they attach themselves to solid surfaces such as stones, twigs, or vegetation. The neural organization in hydra is composed of a simple network of neurons. It is believed that they do not die of old age. Instead, the body breaks into distinct pieces called fragments. Each fragment then grows into an adult capable of producing offspring. This mode of asexual reproduction is called ‘fragmentation.’ Hydra also reproduces by other asexual means like budding. Hydra belongs to the Coelenterata species i.e. it has an open body cavity, it is not a true cavity.
So, the correct answer is, ‘Carnivorous.’

Note:
- Hydra is a genus of freshwater organisms from the phylum Cnidaria. There are about 20 to 30 different species of hydra.
- The body of hydra is tubular and shows radial symmetry.
- Hydras can be described as carnivorous in their food habit.
- They make use of their stinging cells to stun, entangle, and kill their prey before eating it.