BRACHIOPODA Meaning and
Definition
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Brachiopoda is a phylum of marine invertebrate animals commonly known as brachiopods. They are characterized by their hard, bivalve shells that protect their soft bodies. Brachiopods have a long evolutionary history dating back to the early Cambrian period and have survived multiple mass extinctions.
The word "brachiopod" is derived from the Greek words "brachion," meaning arm, and "poda," meaning foot. This name reflects their unique structure, with a stalk-like pedicle that anchors them to the ocean floor and two arm-like extensions called brachia that extend from their shells. While their appearance may resemble clams or mussels, the two shells of brachiopods are symmetrical, unlike the asymmetrical shell of bivalve mollusks.
Brachiopods are filter feeders, meaning they extract food particles from the water by drawing it in through a specialized structure called a lophophore. This lophophore is lined with tiny tentacles covered in cilia, which create water currents and trap food particles for consumption.
With over 350 species of living brachiopods known today, they occupy a wide range of marine habitats around the world, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea trenches. They play a vital role in marine ecosystems as a food source for various organisms and contribute to the buildup of sediment on the ocean floor.
Despite their ecological importance, brachiopods are not well-known to the general public compared to other marine animals. However, their unique characteristics and ancient lineage make them an intriguing subject of study for paleontologists and evolutionary biologists.
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An order of mollusca with one shell on the back and another in front, and having two long spiral ciliated arms developed from the sides of the mouth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BRACHIOPODA
Etymology of BRACHIOPODA
The word "Brachiopoda" is derived from the Greek words "brachio" meaning arm, and "podos" meaning foot. It refers to a class of marine invertebrate animals commonly known as brachiopods. The name was given to them due to their arm-like structure called a lophophore, which functions as both a feeding and respiratory organ, and the foot-like structure they possess.
Similar spelling words for BRACHIOPODA
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