Here are 5 fascinating facts about hydra, a small freshwater animal:
-
Nematocysts: The tentacles surrounding the hydra's mouth (which also functions as its anus) are armed with stinging cells called nematocysts. These cells are used to capture prey. While effective on small organisms, hydra's nematocysts are generally harmless to humans.
-
Sessile but Mobile: Hydras are typically sessile, meaning they stay in one place, attached to a substrate. However, they can detach and move slowly to a new location by gliding on their basal disc.
-
Regeneration: Hydras are renowned for their incredible regenerative abilities. If a hydra is cut into pieces, each piece can regenerate into a complete, independent hydra. This makes them valuable in studying tissue regeneration.
-
Simple Body Structure: Hydras possess a simple body structure consisting of two main cell layers: an outer epidermis and an inner gastrodermis. These layers are separated by a jelly-like substance called mesoglea. They lack organs and a true brain.
-
Asexual Reproduction: While hydras can reproduce sexually, they primarily reproduce asexually through budding. A bud forms on the body of the parent hydra and eventually detaches, becoming a new, genetically identical hydra.
