September 15, 2013 (Vol. 33, No. 16)
Rating:
Strong Points: Great news section, large number of links
Weak Points: Some site organizational issues
Summary:
Ask someone to give you an example of a gelatinous zooplankton, and you will likely get a blank stare in return. However, most people are quite familiar with at least one type of organism that falls within this category: the jellyfish. The Jellies Zone website provides information about “true” jellyfish (as classified in the phylum Cnidaria) as well as other “jellies” that roam the seas, with an emphasis on those in the Pacific Ocean. Six major groups are represented on the site: hydromedusae, siphonophores, scyphomedusae, comb jellies, pelagic gastropods, and pelagic tunicates. Descriptions of how to distinguish among the groups are given and the site also contains a number of photos to allow visitors to truly gain an appreciation for the diversity of gelatinous zooplankton in existence. A frequently updated news page provides visitors with the latest jelly happenings around the world.