Jellyfish have a fascinating life cycle that alternates between the polyp and medusa stages. They start as tiny polyps attached to surfaces, which eventually produce free-swimming medusae.
Polyp Stage:
The polyp is the sessile stage of a jellyfish. Polyps attach to surfaces and reproduce asexually, creating tiny medusa buds that will grow into adult jellyfish.
Medusa Stage:
The medusa is the adult, free-swimming stage most people recognize as a jellyfish. Medusae reproduce sexually, releasing eggs and sperm into the water.
Regeneration and Survival:
Some jellyfish species can revert to earlier stages, allowing them to survive adverse conditions and extend their life cycle.