The word "Asteroida" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /æstəˈrɔɪdə/. The first syllable "as" is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat". The "te" in "aster" is pronounced like "tuh" and the "roid" is pronounced with the long "o" sound as in "boy". Finally, the "a" at the end of the word is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat". "Asteroida" refers to a taxonomic group of echinoderms that includes starfish, brittle stars, and sea urchins.
Asteroida refers to a taxonomic order of marine animals that belong to the phylum Echinodermata. This order is commonly known as sea stars or starfishes, characterized by their star-shaped body plan and the presence of numerous tubular feet extending from their undersides, which they use for movement and feeding.
Members of Asteroida range in size, with some species measuring only a few centimeters, while others can reach sizes of up to 60 centimeters in diameter. They inhabit a diverse range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the depths of the ocean.
These animals are radially symmetrical, with five or more arms radiating from a central disk-shaped body. Each arm typically contains rows of small tube feet that can be extended and contracted to manipulate their surroundings and capture prey. The body is often covered in a tough exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate plates, providing protection and support.
Asteroida are carnivorous predators, consuming a variety of prey including mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, and even other echinoderms. They have a unique feeding mechanism, which involves everting their stomach out of their mouth and digesting their prey externally before retracting their stomach back into their body.
These invertebrates serve an important role in marine ecosystems, helping regulate populations of their prey and serving as indicators of environmental health. Some species of Asteroida have also become popular attractions in aquariums and are studied for their regenerative abilities and their potential for medical research.
An order of polypes having a star-like or rayed arrangement of their tentacles when fully expanded.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Asteroida" is a taxonomic term used in biology to refer to a class of echinoderms, specifically starfish or sea stars. The etymology of the word "Asteroida" is derived from the Greek word "aster", meaning "star", and the suffix "-oid", which indicates resemblance or similarity. Therefore, "Asteroida" literally means "star-like" or "resembling a star", which is an apt description of the shape and appearance of sea stars.