Hüdrad

Hüdrad, also known as hydras, are small, freshwater invertebrates belonging to the genus Hydra. They are characterized by their simple, cylindrical body and a ring of tentacles surrounding their mouth. These tentacles are equipped with stinging cells called nematocysts, which they use to capture small prey such as crustaceans and worms. Hydras are found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide, typically inhabiting still or slow-moving freshwaters like ponds, lakes, and streams.

A remarkable characteristic of hydras is their extraordinary regenerative ability. They can regenerate lost body parts, including their heads and tentacles, from small fragments of their tissue. This capacity has made them a subject of significant scientific study, particularly in the fields of developmental biology and stem cell research. Hydras reproduce both asexually through budding, where a new individual grows from an outgrowth on the parent's body, and sexually, producing eggs and sperm under certain environmental conditions. Their basic body plan and regenerative powers offer valuable insights into the fundamental processes of life.