Why are the best index fossils from species that only existed for a short period of time ?

Because once they were very common they disappeared after the mass extinction event. ... Many geologic periods were defined by events that made natural boundary to the period.

organisms that lack symmetry are called asymmetrical and belong to phylum porifera/sponges.

organisms with specialized stinging cells belong to phylum cnidaria. stinging cells are called cnidoblast cells.

cnidarians show two morphological forms : polyp (sessile) and medusa (mobile)

filter feeding is observed in porifera members.  

alternation of generation is observed in coelenterata or cnidaria. there is alternation of asexual polyp form and sexual medusoid form. it is also referred as metagenesis.

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explanation:

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