Question:

Digestion is both extracellular and intracellular in:

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Cnidaria are the only group showing dual mode digestion.
Updated On: Jun 20, 2026
  • Cnidaria
  • Platyhelminthes
  • Nemathelminthes
  • Mollusca
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding digestion types.
Digestion in animals can occur extracellularly (outside cells) or intracellularly (inside cells).

Step 2: Intracellular digestion.

Food particles are engulfed into cells and digested inside food vacuoles.

Step 3: Extracellular digestion.

Digestive enzymes are secreted into a cavity where food is broken down outside cells.

Step 4: Dual digestion in Cnidaria.

Cnidarians like Hydra show extracellular digestion in the gastrovascular cavity and intracellular digestion in endodermal cells.

Step 5: Evaluating options.

- Platyhelminthes: mostly intracellular digestion.
- Nemathelminthes: complete digestive tract, mainly extracellular.
- Mollusca: extracellular digestion only.

Step 6: Final conclusion.

Therefore, Cnidaria show both extracellular and intracellular digestion.
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