Nature's dart gun

Cnidarians have nematocysts – specialized organelles that require slight stimulation to fire a chemical projectile containing toxin. What is the function of nematocysts in cnidarians?

• A) Digestion

• B) Movement

• C) Defense and capturing prey

• D) Respiration

Nematocysts are found in which group of animals?

• Cnidarians

• Annelids

• Echinoderms

• Molluscs

Cnidarians have nematocysts – specialized organelles that require slight stimulation to fire a chemical projectile containing toxin. Nematocysts can cause visible skin reactions in humans.

• True

• False

From the Greek knide (nettle) and the Latin aria (suffix for plural). What does the Latin suffix 'aria' indicate in the name 'Cnidaria'?

• Singular

• Plural

• Adjective

• Verb

Why does the phylum Cnidaria use the Latin suffix for plural?

• They are solitary animals

• They are colonial

• They are extinct

• They are vertebrates

What is the function of cnidocytes?

• Responsible for stinging

• Used for locomotion

• Aid in digestion

• Help in respiration

Phylum Cnidaria has the longest fossil history of any animal. How many million years does this history span?

• 700 million years

• 200 million years

• 1,200 million years

• 350 million years

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

All ________, mostly marine. (Fill in the blank with the correct word from the passage.)

• aquatic

• terrestrial

• aerial

• arboreal

These organisms prefer which type of water?

• Deep, cold water

• Shallow, warm water

• Freshwater lakes

• Fast-moving rivers

Most are sessile, a few are slow moving or can _______ slightly.

• swim

• jump

• fly

• crawl