Question

Why are jellyfish called medusa?

Answer 1

Hint: Jellyfish can be found in every ocean on the planet, from the coldest, icy waters of the Arctic to the warm, temperate waters of the tropical oceans. They can be found in a variety of water conditions and at various depths from the ocean floor to the surface. They've even been discovered in freshwater lakes and ponds.

Complete answer:
Jellyfish belong to subphylum Medusozoa and phylum Cnidaria. They are free swimming marine animals with umbrella shaped bells. From surface water to deep sea they are found everywhere. Jellyfish is the common name given to the medusa of these members. Their life cycle is complex. There are two phases: polyp and medusa.

Polyp: It is referred to the phase of before reaching the sexual maturity,
Medusa: It refers to the phase of sexual maturity.

Jellyfish are called medusa because their appearance is similar to the evil Medusa in Greek mythology. Evil Medusa was a woman who once offended the goddess Athena who changed her hair into snakes and made her face so hideous that it turns people into stone.

Jellyfish use them to sting their prey, releasing venom that paralyzes them. With a typical sting, you can expect pain, red marks, itching, numbness, or tingling. However, some jellyfish stings, such as those from the box jellyfish (also known as the sea wasp), are extremely dangerous and can even be fatal.

The most venomous marine animal on the planet is the Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri). In just a few minutes, its sting can cause paralysis, cardiac arrest, and death – barely enough time for a victim to swim to shore.

Note:
Jellyfish, on the other hand, lack blood, bones, and a heart. They do, however, have a primitive nervous system that includes receptors that detect light, vibrations, and chemicals in the water. Jellyfish can orient and navigate in the water thanks to these abilities, as well as their sense of gravity.