Members of which cnidarian class form planula larvae that creep rather than swim or drift?Multiple choice question.HydrozoaAnthrozoaStaurozoaCubozoa

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify cnidarian classes and their larval forms.
2. Understand the characteristics of planula larvae in each class.

Relevant Concepts

• Cnidarian Classes:
  • Hydrozoa: Generally includes polyp and medusa form, typically planula larvae swim.
  • Anthozoa: Comprises sea anemones and corals, with planula larvae that settle and develop into polyps.
  • Staurozoa: Also produces planula larvae, but they exhibit creeping behavior.
  • Cubozoa: Known for box-shaped medusae and their planulae usually swim.

Analysis and Detail

• The question asks specifically about which class has planula larvae that exhibit creeping behavior.
• Staurozoa is characterized by planula larvae that crawl rather than swim in the water column. Unlike other classes, the planula larvae of Staurozoa settle on substrates to develop into the adult form.

Verify and Summarize

• Hydrozoa and Cubozoa larvae swim, while Anthozoa settles but typically does not exhibit creeping. Thus, the accurate answer relates specifically to Staurozoa.

Final Answer

The cnidarian class that forms planula larvae that creep is Staurozoa.