Most cnidarians are known to produce toxins.In fact,it has been claimed that one particular species produces the most deadly of all toxins on the planet.What feature of this group most likely evolved simultaneously with the evolution of these toxins?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The production of toxins is a defensive mechanism that evolved in response to the slow-moving or sessile lifestyle of cnidarians. These toxins help them to defend themselves against predators by paralyzing or killing them, and also to capture prey. Therefore, the evolution of a slow-moving or sessile lifestyle in the adult most likely occurred simultaneously with the evolution of these toxins. The other features listed (medusa body form, asexual reproduction, diploblastic design) are not directly related to the evolution of toxins in cnidarians.

Most Cnidarians Are Known to Produce Toxins