Question

Which of the following is commonly known as the mushroom coral?
A. Fungia
B. Corralium
C. Astrea
D. Meandrea

Answer 1

Fungia , corralium , Astrea and Meandrea all are corals. These come under Phylum –Cnidaria. These corals have a skeleton composed of calcium carbonate. These can be of different shapes.

Complete Answer:
- Fungia is called mushroom coral as it belongs to family fungiidae under the phylum Cnidaria. Their mouth is in the centre and is slit like and the surface covered with widely spaced tentacles.
- These corals, like other large polyp stony corals, have developed several feeding strategies. They can also capture planktonic organisms, food particles from the water and can absorb dissolved organic matter.
- Their Feeding tentacles are mostly visible at night. Fungia can also reproduce asexually. Daughter colonies or the polyps may form and they will form offspring from their broken pieces. they have the ability to show regeneration. They are multi-colored and soft.
- Corralium is also called Red coral or precious coral. These are durable and have a colourful skeleton of red or pink orange which are used to make jewellery. These grow at sea bottom. These look like small leafless bushes.
- Astrea is also called great star coral. These are like massive boulders and its polyps are like the size of a human thumb.
- Meandrina lives in colonies which can be of different colours. It can tolerate locations which have high levels of sedimentation and turbidity.

The correct answer is (A) i.e. Fungia.

Note: The corals come under phylum cnidaria, these have cnidoblast cells which contain stinging capsules or nematocysts which are present on the tentacles and the body. These are used for their anchorage to the sea floor, defense and for capturing prey.