What type of body symmetry do cnidarians exhibit?

• A. Bilateral Symmetry
• B. Radial Symmetry
• C. Asymmetrical
• D. Spherical Symmetry

Answer: (B)

Radial symmetry. Cnidarians have body parts arranged around a central axis, so their mouth and tentacles can be encountered from any direction around the body. This arrangement suits both their sessile polyp form and free-swimming medusa form, letting them interact with the environment from all sides. Bilateral symmetry, with distinct left and right sides and a defined head region, is typical of many animals but not characteristic of cnidarians. Spherical symmetry would require the organism to be identical from every direction in a true sphere, which isn’t how cnidarians are structured. Asymmetrical would mean no symmetry at all, which isn’t the case for these animals.