Baby jellyfish are born through a process called strobilation, where polyps divide and produce ephyrae, which are baby jellyfish.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Jellyfish have a complex life cycle that involves two main forms: the polyp and the medusa (the familiar bell-shaped jellyfish). Baby jellyfish development primarily occurs during the polyp stage.
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Polyp Stage: Jellyfish start their lives as tiny larvae called planulae. These planulae eventually settle on a surface and transform into polyps, which resemble tiny anemones. Polyps can reproduce asexually, creating more polyps.
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Strobilation: When conditions are right (often triggered by environmental factors), the polyp undergoes strobilation. This is a form of asexual reproduction where the polyp's body divides horizontally, forming stacked, disc-like segments.
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Ephyra Release: Each of these segments eventually detaches from the polyp and becomes a free-swimming ephyra. An ephyra is essentially a baby jellyfish.
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Medusa Development: The ephyra then grows and develops into the adult medusa form that we typically recognize as a jellyfish.
In summary, baby jellyfish (ephyrae) are born through the asexual reproduction process of strobilation, where polyps divide and release these immature medusae.
