Hydra: Structure, Diagram, and Reproduction (Budding)

If you look at a diagram of a Hydra under a microscope, you will see:

• Basal Disc: A sticky, flat bottom used to firmly anchor itself to rocks and underwater plants so it doesn't wash away in the river current.
• Cylindrical Body: A simple, hollow, tube-like body cavity.
• Mouth: Located at the very top of the tube.
• Tentacles: Surrounding the mouth are 6 to 10 long, massive, hair-like arms called tentacles. These tentacles are covered in poisonous stinging cells. When a tiny water insect swims by, the tentacles shoot poison darts to paralyze it, and then stuff the dead insect into its mouth.

Hydra normally reproduces asexually through a process called Budding:

1. When the Hydra gets plenty of food, a massive cluster of cells rapidly divides on the side of its body, forming a tiny bump called a 'Bud'.
2. Over a few days, this tiny bump grows its own mouth and tiny tentacles.
3. Once it is fully mature, the baby Hydra physically breaks off (detaches) from the parent's body, sinks to the bottom of the river, and starts living completely independently.

Hydra has a terrifying superpower called Regeneration.

• If a fish attacks a Hydra and accidentally cuts its body into three separate, massive pieces, the Hydra does not die.
• Instead, the special 'Totipotent' cells inside the body instantly go to work. The head piece will grow a new tail, the tail piece will grow a new head, and the middle piece will grow both. Within a few days, you will have three perfectly healthy, full-grown Hydras!