Name the Organ That Helps in Nutrition in Hydra

Hydra is a freshwater cnidarian that belongs to the phylum Cnidaria. It has a simple body structure with only two cell layers and lacks specialized organs. However, hydra has a gastrovascular cavity that acts as a digestive system and helps in nutrition. The gastrovascular cavity is a central cavity that runs through the body and has a single opening that serves as both the mouth and anus.

The process of nutrition in hydra involves capturing small aquatic animals such as water fleas, small crustaceans, and tiny fish larvae with the help of its tentacles. The tentacles have specialized stinging cells called nematocysts, which immobilize the prey and help in capturing it.

Once the prey is captured, the hydra uses its tentacles to bring it closer to its mouth. The mouth then opens up, and the prey is engulfed by the hydra’s gastrovascular cavity. The digestive enzymes present in the cavity break down the prey into small molecules that are then absorbed by the body walls of the hydra.

Thus, the gastrovascular cavity in hydra plays a crucial role in nutrition, digestion, and absorption of nutrients.

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