How do jellyfish reproduce?

Jellyfish have a complex life cycle involving both sexual and asexual reproduction. Adult jellyfish, or medusae, release eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilisation occurs externally. The fertilised egg develops into a free-swimming larva called a planula, which eventually settles on a surface and transforms into a polyp. The polyp reproduces asexually by budding, producing small medusae that grow into adult jellyfish. This dual strategy allows jellyfish to adapt to varying environmental conditions, ensuring the continuation of their species.