Question Details

This does not belong to Phylum Coelenterata

Options

A

Sea cucumber

B

Sea pen

C

Sea feather

D

Sea fan

Correct Answer :

Sea cucumber

Solution :

The correct option is Sea cucumber.

Detailed Explanation:
Phylum Coelenterata (also known as Cnidaria) comprises aquatic, mostly marine, radially symmetrical animals that exhibit a tissue-level body organization. They are characterized by the presence of specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes (or nematocysts) used for defense and capturing prey. Common examples of coelenterates include:
- Sea pen (genus Pennatula)
- Sea fan (genus Gorgonia)
- Sea feather (referring to colonial hydroids or octocorals in this biological context)

In contrast, the Sea cucumber belongs to the Phylum Echinodermata (specifically under the class Holothuroidea). Echinoderms are triploblastic, coelomate animals characterized by a spiny skin, an endoskeleton of calcareous ossicles, and a unique water vascular system. Unlike coelenterates, they possess an organ-system level of organization. Therefore, the sea cucumber does not belong to the Phylum Coelenterata.

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