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Hydras

(Hydra)

 

Category: Invertebrates

 

 

Hydras make up a genus of tiny (up to 10 mm long), tentacle, aquatic, predatory animals that are commonly found in unpolluted ponds, lakes, and streams in temperate and tropical regions. They are of special interest to science because they do not seem to age or die of old age. While generally stationary, or sessile, they are able to move themselves when necessary by bending over and grabbing onto the substrate with their mouth and tentacles while releasing with their “foot” – using this motion, they are able “loop” or “somersault” several inches in a day!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_(genus)

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Cnidaria
Class - Hydrozoa
Order - Anthomedusae
Family - Hydridae
Genus - Hydra

 
Did you know?
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It’s an ant’s world. We’re just living in it.

Do humans truly dominate the world? The Argentine ant may have something to say about that. Many ants are known for their large colonies, but the Argentine ant, named for its South American origins takes this to a whole other level. Due to inadvertent introduction by humans, the Argentine ant has spread to all continents except Antarctica. There are now three known super-colonies of these ants: one in Europe (the largest, covering 3,700 miles), one in California (560 miles), and another on the west coast of Japan. Ants are often territorial, but amazingly, ants belonging to the super-colonies recognize one another: if you were to introduce a super colony ant from Japan to one from Europe or California, they will recognize each other as friends!

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