Final answer:
Hydra is an independent organism and a solitary polyp of the class Hydrozoa, capable of reproducing asexually via budding and does not have a medusoid stage in its life cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydra is an organism on its own, a solitary polyp belonging to the class Hydrozoa within the phylum Cnidaria. It exhibits a simple life cycle that only includes the polyp form, which can reproduce asexually by budding. This is when a bud forms on the parent body, gradually develops its own mouth and tentacles, and eventually detaches to live independently as a fully functioning separate organism capable of finding its own location for attachment.
In Hydrozoa, most other species display both polypoid and medusoid forms in their life cycles; however, Hydra is unique in that it does not have a medusoid stage.
The Hydra's ability to live independently, reproduce asexually, and interact with its environment categorizes it as a distinct organism. Thus, a Hydra is not part of a larger organism but is a self-sufficient living entity within its ecological niche.