[Campbell Biology P.736] While both Cnidaria and Ctenophora are described as diploblastic an... | Practice Question

While both Cnidaria and Ctenophora are described as diploblastic and radially symmetrical, which unique characteristic is specifically attributed to Ctenophora in the text, differentiating them from Cnidarians?

  • A: The presence of a gastrovascular cavity that serves as both mouth and anus.
  • B: Propelling through water using eight 'combs' of cilia.
  • C: Feeding by trapping particles in internal channels.
  • D: Having a simple nervous system and a saclike gut.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that Ctenophores comb jellies 'have eight "combs" of cilia that propel the animals through the water'. While Cnidarians and Ctenophores share some similarities, this specific propulsion mechanism using comb plates is unique to Ctenophora as described.