How do hydras reproduce?

Hydras are freshwater, simple, multicellular organisms belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. They reproduce through both sexual and asexual means.

1. Asexual Reproduction: Hydras commonly reproduce asexually through a process called budding. In budding, a small outgrowth or bud develops on the body of the hydra. This bud grows and eventually separates from the parent hydra, forming a new individual. The newly formed hydra is genetically identical to the parent.
2. Sexual Reproduction: Sexual reproduction in hydras involves the formation of specialized reproductive structures. Hydras are generally dioecious, meaning individuals are either male or female. The reproductive organs develop on separate individuals.

• Male hydras release sperm cells into the water.
• Female hydras produce eggs within their bodies.

Fertilization occurs externally when sperm released by the male hydra encounters eggs released by the female hydra in the water. Upon fertilization, zygotes are formed, which develop into free-swimming larvae called planulae. These planulae eventually settle and develop into new hydras.

Both asexual and sexual reproduction enable hydras to propagate and proliferate within their freshwater habitats, allowing them to maintain their populations through different reproductive strategies.