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The life cycle of Obelia shows the alteration of generation. Obelia’s common name is sea fur. It is a group of aquatic organisms. Obelia classification shows it belongs to Class Hydrozoa and Phylum Cnidaria. Obelia are diploblastic, primitive organisms with a unique life cycle in the Animal Kingdom. The Obelia life cycle alternates between two phases, each having a different structure and function. This is called the alteration of generation. In this article, we will look into the life cycle obelia – diagram, obelia classification, characteristics, and obelia structure. Table of Content What is Obelia?Obelia’s common name is sea fur. It is a group of hydrozoans belonging to the phylum Cnidaria, including jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. These aquatic animals, except the Poles, are found in marine and freshwater environments worldwide. Obelia characteristics are that they are colonial organisms with a relatively simple diploblastic body. Obelia under a microscope, look like a complex structure, with many small polyps connected by branching tubes. Obelia structure of body resembles sea anemones that remain attached to the substrate at the bottom, like rock or sea bed, and have tentacles that they use for feeding and reproduction. However, during the life cycle of Obelia, they also have a free-moving stage of life.
Obelia ClassificationThe scientific classification of Obelia is:
Life Cycle of ObeliaObelia is a dioecious organism with distinct sexual and asexual life stages. The life cycle of Obelia can be studied in various stages. The different stages of the life cycle of Cnidarians are also called zooids. The life cycle of Obelia is characterized by alternation of generations, involving both asexual and sexual reproduction with different body structures and functions. 1. FertilizationThe cycle begins with the release of sperm and egg from male and female reproductive medusa, respectively, into the water, where external fertilization occurs. The sperm are flagellated and swim around to find and fertilize with the female medusa’s egg. 2. Cleavage and Larva FormationOnce fertilized, the zygote undergoes complete cleavage to form the blastocysts that develop into ciliated, motile, free-swimming larvae known as planulae. Planulae are oval-shaped larvae that swim in the water, settle on substrates, and grow into sessile, feeding polyps known as hydranths through metamorphosis. 3. Obelia Polyp or Hydranth StageThe obelia polyps or hydranths are the sessile phases in the life cycle of Obelia, with the primary function of feeding and propagating the colony. This stage is also called the gastrozooid or trophozooid. They reproduce asexually by budding, giving rise to additional feeding polyps and extending the colony. In Obelia, certain specialized polyps called gonozooids produce reproductive structures called gonangia, which give rise to the next stage in the life cycle. 4. Medusae StageMeanwhile, certain hydranths transform through a process known as strobilation to form the medusae stage. These are the sexual zooids and are also called the gonophores. Medusae are jellyfish-like structures equipped with tentacles and capable of sexual reproduction. The medusae release gametes (sperm and eggs) into the water, where fertilization occurs externally. In this way, the life cycle of Obelia continues. Life Cycle of Obelia DiagramLets have a look at the diagram of Obelia’s Life Cycle:
Alteration of GenerationAlternation of generations is a reproductive strategy observed in certain organisms, particularly among some groups of plants and algae, as well as in some animal groups such as cnidarians (e.g., jellyfish and hydroids) and certain fungi. In Obelia, as in many other hydrozoans and certain other groups of organisms, alternation of generations refers to a reproductive strategy where the life cycle includes distinct multicellular stages, each with its mode of reproduction. This alternation typically involves two main stages in Obelia: the polyp and medusa. The polyp is responsible for feeding and asexual reproduction by budding. The medusa stage consists of the formation of free-swimming, bell-shaped structures known as medusae. The medusae release gametes (sperm and eggs) into the water, where fertilization occurs externally, forming zygotes. Also Read: Plant Life Cycles and Alternation of Generations Structure of ObeliaObelia have a relatively simple diploblastic body and structure with a gelatinous, transparent body resembling sea anemones that remain attached to the substrate at the bottom, like rock or sea bed. They have only two germ layers: the ectoderm and the endoderm, and a jelly-like substance in between called mesoglia. They are roughly cylindrical and can grow up to several centimeters in length. They also have tentacles that they use for feeding and reproduction. However, during the life cycle of Obelia, they also have a free-moving stage of life that resembles a bell-shaped medusae form. Obelia CharacteristicsThe following characteristics can identify Obelia:
Also Read: Nervous System Conclusion – Life Cycle of ObeliaThe Obelia structure and life cycle involve alternating stages between polyp and medusa forms for reproduction and survival. The polyps stage reproduces asexually (budding), while the medusae stage reproduces sexually. Obelia classification shows that it is a hydrozoan of the Phylum Cnidaria and is a simple diploblastic organism with a unique reproduction mode. The life cycle of Obelia includes 4 stages – fertilization, cleavage formation, polyps, and medusae. The life cycle of Obelia diagram is important to get a clear understanding of the Obelia life cycle.
FAQs on Life Cycle of ObeliaWhich Stage of the Life Cycle of Obelia is Free Living?
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What is the Alteration of Generation?
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| School Biology |
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