Ctenophora

Ctenophora, or comb jellies, are a group of soft-bodied marine animals, with most species living in the open ocean. They are an important part of marine food webs, as both predators and prey. Ctenophora are especially significant as the earliest branching group in the tree of life. This means all higher animals, including humans, evolved from them. Ctenophora have been studied for their fascinating array of body features, such as their eight rows of cilia, which they use for swimming, as well as for their complex digestive and nervous systems. This makes them an area of keen interest for researchers studying the evolution of more advanced animals. Ctenophora are also a valuable resource for aquariums and a source of compounds with potential medical applications.