Senses
A. Nervous system.
- Corals lack a brain but have a simple nervous system called a nerve net. The nerve net
extends from the mouth to the tentacles.
B. Chemoreception.
- Polyps can detect certain substances such as sugars and amino acids. This sense, similar
to our senses of smell and taste, enables corals to detect prey.
C. Nematocyst sensors.
- Tiny sensors in the ends of nematocysts in polyp's tentacles trigger the nematocyst to
eject. These sensors are stimulated either chemically or physically.
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- Adaptations for an Aquatic Environment
SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
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