Editing Polyp (zoology) (section)

==Reproduction==
It is an almost universal attribute of polyps to reproduce [[asexual reproduction|asexually]] by the method of [[budding]]. This mode of [[reproduction]] may be combined with [[sexual reproduction]], or may be the sole method by which the polyp produces [[offspring]], in which case the polyp is entirely without [[sexual organ]]s.<ref name=EB1911/>

===Asexual reproduction===
In many cases the buds formed do not separate from the parent but remain in continuity with it, thus forming [[Colony (biology)|colonies]] or stocks, which may reach a great size and contain a vast number of individuals. Slight differences in the method of budding produce great variations in the form of the colonies. The [[reef]]-building [[coral]]s are polyp-colonies, strengthened by the formation of a firm skeleton.<ref name=EB1911/>

===Sexual reproduction===
Among sea anemones, [[sexual plasticity]] may occur.  That is, asexually produced clones derived from a single founder individual can contain both male and female individuals ([[ramets]]).<ref name="pmid20686700">{{cite journal |vauthors=Schlesinger A, Kramarsky-Winter E, Rosenfeld H, Armoza-Zvoloni R, Loya Y |title=Sexual plasticity and self-fertilization in the sea anemone Aiptasia diaphana |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=5 |issue=7 |pages=e11874 |year=2010 |pmid=20686700 |pmc=2912375 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0011874 |bibcode=2010PLoSO...511874S |doi-access=free }}</ref> When eggs and sperm (gametes) are formed, they can produce [[zygotes]] derived from "selfing" (within the founding clone) or out-crossing, that then develop into swimming planula larvae.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

[[File:Polyps of Cnidaria colony.jpg|thumb|Polyps of a colony of [[Cnidaria]]]]

The overwhelming majority of stony coral (''[[Scleractinia]]'') taxa are [[Hermaphrodite|hermaphroditic]] in their adult colonies.<ref name=Heyward>Heyward AJ, Babcock, RC (1986).  Self- and cross-fertilization in scleractinian corals.  Marine Biology 90, 191–195</ref> In these species, there is ordinarily synchronized release of [[egg]]s and [[sperm]] into the water during brief spawning events.<ref name="pmid17742935">{{cite journal |vauthors=Harrison PL, Babcock RC, Bull GD, Oliver JK, Wallace CC, Willis BL |title=Mass spawning in tropical reef corals |journal=Science |volume=223 |issue=4641 |pages=1186–9 | date=March 1984 |pmid=17742935 |doi=10.1126/science.223.4641.1186 |bibcode=1984Sci...223.1186H |s2cid=31244527 }}</ref> Although some species are capable of [[self-fertilization]] to varying extents, [[cross-fertilization]] appears to be the dominant mating pattern.<ref name=Heyward />