EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Cnidarians within the class Anthozoa make up what are likely the most complex and rich ecosystems on earth since this class contains reef-forming corals. Coral reefs are found in shallow waters of warm, tropical oceans.

Detailed explanation-2: -The class Anthozoa (under the phylum Cnidaria) includes corals, anemones, sea pens and seafans. Anthozoa consists of 10 orders and thousands of species. Adults are attached to the seabed, but their larvae are free-floating and can drift to new settlements.

Detailed explanation-3: -In a coral reef community sea anemones have an important role, or ecological niche. Many anemone species act as homes for other reef animals such as clownfish that live in the anemone’s tentacles to gain protection from predators.

Detailed explanation-4: -The phylum Cnidaria (pronounced “nih DARE ee uh”) includes soft-bodied stinging animals such as corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish (Fig. 3.23 A). The phylum’s name is derived from the Greek root word cnid-meaning nettle, a stinging plant. Cnidarians are found in many aquatic environments.