Problem 65 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Ctenophores are commonly known as (a) Sea walnut (b) Comb jellies (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b)

Step 1: Understand the question

The question asks: Ctenophores are commonly known as (a) Sea walnut (b) Comb jellies (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Step 2: Apply Biology knowledge

Using fundamental Biology concepts to analyze the problem.

Step 3: Formulate the answer

The correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b)

Step 4: Conclude

The answer is: The correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b)

Key Concepts

Marine invertebrates

Marine invertebrates are creatures that live in the ocean and do not have a spinal column. They are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny plankton to large octopuses. A particularly interesting group of marine invertebrates is ctenophores.
Ctenophores, often known as comb jellies or sea walnuts, are gelatinous creatures that float freely in the sea. They are especially known for their unique method of movement, utilizing rows of tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These cilia act like paddles, propelling them smoothly through the water. Unlike many other marine invertebrates, ctenophores have a simple body plan without much differentiation into distinct organs or appendages.

Common names

In biology, common names are often used to make scientific subjects more approachable. Common names can vary by region and language, making it easier for locals to recognize the species. Despite this, they may not always reflect the species' scientific classification accurately.
Ctenophores demonstrate this concept effectively, as they have multiple common names. While scientifically referred to as ctenophora, they are casually known as 'sea walnuts' and 'comb jellies'.
If you're studying marine biology or related subjects, understanding both the scientific and common names can deepen your comprehension of marine life and enhance communication with others in the field.

Sea walnut

Sea walnut is one of the enchanting names given to a certain type of ctenophore. The name 'sea walnut' is inspired by the creature's round, walnut-like shape. Sea walnuts are often found along the eastern coastlines and can appear in large numbers, leading to stunning underwater displays.
These creatures exhibit a fascinating feature called bioluminescence, which is the ability to produce light through chemical reactions inside their bodies. This light can be seen as a gentle glow in the water, serving various purposes such as attracting prey or deterring predators.

Comb jellies

Comb jellies are another common name for ctenophores. Unlike jellyfish, which belong to a different biological group, comb jellies do not sting. Instead, they capture prey with sticky cells on their tentacles.
The name 'comb jelly' comes from the rows of cilia that resemble combs on their bodies. As these rows move, they diffract light, creating beautiful rainbow-colored effects. This diffraction, combined with their bioluminescence, makes comb jellies a mesmerizing sight in their natural habitat.
Unlike their jellyfish cousins, comb jellies play a critical role in marine ecosystems by controlling plankton populations, making them an essential component of the oceanic food chain.