Phylum Cnidaria

Cnidarians are all very different, but a few key traits lead us to believe that they all have a common ancestor, and therefore belong in a group together.

Cnidarians all have some physical form that is similar. They are tall and round, with medusae- like tendrils floating around them. They are especially notable that they are the most feathery of aquatic animals, although these feathery parts are nothing like those in birds.

The trait that most people are familiar with and that makes scientists believe that they are all related is the fact that they all have stinging cells, which is their primary defense mechanism.

Coral, Anemones, box jellies, and jellyfish are all apart of this group.