AnAge entry for Hydra

Classification (HAGRID: 04602)

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Cnidaria
        Class: Hydrozoa
            Order: Anthoathecatae
                Family: Hydridae
Genus
Hydra (Browse taxon)
Common name
Hydra
Find members of Hydra
Find members of Hydra

Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits

Observations

Whether hydra ages or not has been a topic of discussion for many decades [0002]. In a four-year study, animals did not show an increase in mortality with age. Although it is possible that these animals live much longer, considering that they reach maturity in 5 to 10 days, a lifespan of at least 4 years is impressive. The same study reported a decrease in reproductive output which could be due to the fact animals were kept in captivity. It has been argued that the extensive regeneration capacity of these relatively simple animals allows them not to age [0653]. Sexually differentiated animals, however, exhibit signs of degeneration [0735].

References

External Resources

Integrated Taxonomic Information System
ITIS 50845
Animal Diversity Web
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Encyclopaedia of Life
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NCBI Taxonomy
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