ASCIDIANS Meaning and
Definition
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Ascidians, also known as sea squirts or tunicates, are a group of marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Chordata. They are mostly sessile, filter-feeding organisms that can be found in both shallow and deep-sea environments worldwide. Ascidians are named after their sac-like body structure, which resembles a small leather pouch or tunic.
The body of an ascidian typically consists of two parts: an outer protective covering called the tunic, made up of proteins and cellulose-like substances, and an inner body mass enclosed within the tunic. The sizes and shapes of ascidians can vary widely, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length. They can be solitary or colonial, with colonies formed by asexual budding or by connecting through a network of tubes.
As filter feeders, ascidians possess a siphon-like structure called the oral or inhalant siphon, through which they draw in water. The water is then filtered by a structure known as the branchial sac, which contains specialized filtering cells called pharyngeal gill slits. Through these slits, ascidians extract plankton and organic particles, consuming them for nutrition.
Ascidians play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by filtering seawater, which helps to control water quality and circulation, as well as contributing to nutrient cycling. They also provide habitats for other marine organisms by creating complex structures on the ocean floor, where various species can attach and seek shelter.
Due to their unique characteristics and their place within the phylum Chordata, ascidians play an important role in evolutionary studies and have been subjects of scientific research for many years.
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An order of shell-less molluses having the appearance of small leathern pouches or paps, found as a pap-like gelatinous substance on rocks, old shells, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ASCIDIANS
- ascidian
- assidian
- askidian
- zscidians
- sscidians
- wscidians
- qscidians
- aacidians
- azcidians
- axcidians
- adcidians
- aecidians
- awcidians
- asxidians
- asvidians
- asfidians
- asdidians
- ascudians
- ascjdians
- asckdians
Etymology of ASCIDIANS
The word "Ascidians" derives from the Greek word "askos" (ἀσκός), meaning "sac" or "bag". Ascidians are a type of marine invertebrate chordates that possess a sac-like body structure, which resembles a bag or sac. Thus, the name "Ascidians" was given to these organisms based on their morphology.
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