Which phylum encompasses both hard and soft corals investigated for medicinal compounds?
Answer
Cnidaria
The phylum Cnidaria is identified as encompassing the entire biological grouping that includes both the stony, reef-building corals and the soft corals, both of which are considered rich, untapped pharmacopeias for modern scientific investigation. This phylum represents the fundamental biological classification from which many promising marine biomedical compounds are derived, making it the overarching category that unites the diverse architecture of these sessile animals under study.

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