Aspects of this topic are discussed in the following places at Britannica.
...and some anthozoans are polymorphic, differing in morphology (form and structure) and/or physiology. Each zooid within the colony has a specific function and varies somewhat in form. For example, gastrozooids bear tentacles and are specialized for feeding. Some colonies possess dactylozooids, tentacleless polyps heavily armed with nematocysts that seem primarily concerned with defense....
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