PREVIOUS INTER PRETATIOxNS OF CNIDARIA 



155 



that in Fmgia we have a typical case of the alternation of 

 generations (metagenesis) where the two generations are first 

 a typically polypoid generation, and then the sexual generation 

 which does not at all reproduce asexually. We do not find 

 acceptable Hyman's description of the sexual generation as 

 adult disc" (I.:611). Due to the transition of gonads 



an 



Fig. 28. The life cycle oiFungia sp. A, a young coral polyp. B, 

 the beginning of transverse scission. C, anthocyathus is fully de- 

 veloped. D, after separation of the anthocyathus, the anthocaulus 

 remains (after Delage and Herouard). 



into the second generation which has been developed by way 

 of asexual reproduction, this generation has been considerably 

 changed, morphologically, ecologically and biologically under 

 the influence of these gonads. 



In Fimgia, and quite generally in the Anthozoa, we cannot 

 speak of a medusoid generation. It is improbable that the 

 Q2iSQFimgia represents has in any way contributed to the forma- 

 tion of the medusoid generation, in spite of the fact that in 

 it we can see something parallel, a certain common "trend." 



