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  4. Metagenesis or alteration of generation can be observed in members of phylum

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Q. Metagenesis or alteration of generation can be observed in members of phylum

NTA AbhyasNTA Abhyas 2022

Solution:

Metagenesis (or alternation of generation) Coelenterates exhibit two body forms: polyp and medusa.
A. Polyp = Sessile and cylindrical like Hydra, Adamsia.
B. Medusa = Free swimming, umbrella shaped like Aurelia (jelly fish). Those cnidarians in which both polyp and medusa alternates with each other, are said to exhibit metagenesis. During metagenesis, polyp (asexual stage) reproduce asexually to form medusa, whereas the medusa (sexual stage) sexually reproduce to form polyp, e.g., Obelia.