Is Hydra a polyp or medusa type of Phylum Cnidaria?

Question

Explain Polyp and Medusa bodyforms give examples to support the answer.

Answer 1

Chi,

 

Hydra exists in both forms: Polyp and Medusa. These forms are dependent upon nutritional content of the living environment. Medusa is the adult and sexual form whereas Polyp is juvenile and asexual form. Under harsh living conditions and starvation, hydra reproduces sexually. The implication is that polyp is transformed into medusa with the development of gonad: either ovary or testis. Some species of hydra can produce both ovary and testis. Fertilized eggs develop a shell and remain dormant in harsh living condition until favorable condition for growth is restored. Now these eggs develop and thrive as polyp and reproduce asexually as polyp in favorable climate. They develop into medusa again when food sources are scarce and temperature in unfavorable for asexual reproduction. 

 

Hope this explains you the life-cycle. If not then please post again and I shall try to explain.