8. Study budding hydras. Compare the bud with the parent hydra as to
size, form and number and size of tentacles. Notice whether the bud
moves independently or only with the parent. When does it separate
from the parent?
9. In hydras collected late in the fall you may see another
method of reproduction. If such material is at hand, notice small
swellings near the proximal end and others near the tentacles.
Eggs are produced in the lower one, the ovary, and sperm cells
in the upper one, the spermary. Refer to your text-book for
further details.
_Details of structure._
1. Using an entire mounted specimen and a section of hydra, identify
the body wall and the central cavity. What is the extent of the
central cavity? (Examine both the body and the tentacles.) Where does
it open to the outside? What do you think is its use?
2. In the body wall, identify the endodermal and ectodermal layers of
cells, separated by the mesoglea, which is usually stained more
deeply. Study these cell layers carefully. What work ought each to
do? What can you discover in its structure which would fit each layer
to do its work?
3. In the tentacles, identify the nettle cells. Where are they? How
are they arranged? About how many of them would be discharged if a
small animal were to bump into a tentacle?
Summary of Important Points in the Study of Hydra
1. Name the different kinds of cells in a hydra. Which kind differs
most from such a cell as the starfish egg? What work does this
specialized cell do?
2. How much of a hydra's body may be set in action by touching a
tentacle? Contrast this with the sponge. What do you infer concerning
the nervous power of these two animals?
3. Look back over your notes and list the different kinds of work a
hydra can do.
4. Can it do any more kinds of work than a paramecium or a sponge
can? If so, give further details.
5. Can it do any of its work in any better way? Would you expect it
to be able to? Why, or why not?
_Suggested drawings._
a. Hydra undisturbed, and hydra after being touched or shaken.
b. A hydra in successive poses to show its flexibility.
c. A hydra taking food.
d. Hydras to show reproduction in one or both ways.
e. A section of hydra, showing details.
Comparative Study of Cœlenterates
_Materials._
Various cœlenterates, such as hydroids, hydro-medusæ, jellyfishes,
sea anemones, corals, sea fans, etc. Since nearly all the
cœlenterates except hydras are marine forms, these will usually have
to be dead specimens, preserved in formalin or alcohol, or put up as
permanent preparations for the microscope.
_Definitions._
_Colony_, as used in this group, a number of individuals descended by
budding from an original one, and remaining connected.
_Polyp_, an individual cœlenterate; one of the individuals in a
colony.
_Observations._
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