I believe that that is involuntary response. They cannot choose to not retract their polyps. Its a reflex action. Voluntary respond comes with Concept of Being, consciousness.
The very idea if having conciousness comes from so many aspects. In terms of having the appropriate organs and what not. Neurology and the study of it's related branches was never my interest. I'm more of a life science person and in terms of Hunan physiology, I love and excel most in cardio