Ctenophors+-+Dan

__**Subkingdom:**__ Eumetazoa __**Phylum:**__ Ctenophora

__**Body Plan:**__ Ctenophora are the largest animals that utilize cilia and whose size can range from a few millimeters to about 1.5 meters. They are jelly-like creatures that resemble the texture of a jellyfish. Their unique characteristic is the "combs" that can be seen on them. These comb-like structures are the small cilia on the surface of them


 * __Germ Layers:__** Ctenophora have three germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Ctenophora may have a mouth and anus that may be formed during embryonic gastrulation.


 * __Symmetry:__** Ctenophora may have bilateral or radial symmetry and can even have both. If a Ctenophora has both bilateral and radial symmetry then it is said that the Ctenophora has biradial symmetry.


 * __Coelomate:__** Some contain a coelom.


 * __Habitat:__** Ocean currents determine mostly where Ctenophora live.


 * __Movement:__** Cilia provide the only voluntary movement (currents provide the rest).


 * __Skeletal System:__** Contains no skeletal system.

__**Evolutionary Advancement:**__ Ctenophora gave way to corals, hyrda, and jellyfish.


 * __Adaptations:__** Ctenophora's most important adaptation is the ability to regenerate lost or damaged body parts which helps them survive.


 * __Feeding Patterns:__** Ctenophora are carnivores that can eat up to 10 times their body weight of microscopic organisms in one day.


 * __Respiration:__** Ctenophora rely on a water flow through their body for respiration.

__**Circulation:**__ Ctenophora do not contain any circulatory organs.

__**Excretory:**__ Ctenophora contain anal pores which release any waste products.

__**Nervous System:**__ Ctenophora contain no central nervous system but do contain a nerve net.

__**Reproduction:**__ External fertilization is often seen. Ctenophora may act as both genders while mating. There have been some rare observations of self-fertilization.

__**Bibliography:**__ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ctenophora http://library.thinkquest.org/26153/marine/ctenop.htm http://www.science.uva.nl/library/Animalia/Ctenophora.html

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