CESTIDA Meaning and
Definition
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Cestida is a noun referring to a type of marine animal belonging to the phylum Ctenophora. Cestida, also known as comb jellies or sea gooseberries, are transparent, gelatinous organisms that typically exhibit a biradial symmetry. Similar to jellyfish, they are characterized by their elongated, ribbon-like bodies and spherical or oval shape when viewed from the side.
Cestida possess eight rows of comb-like cilia or comb plates that run along the length of their bodies, which they use for locomotion through the water. These comb plates refract light, creating a mesmerizing iridescent effect and giving them a captivating appearance. They are usually small in size, ranging from a few millimeters to about 40 centimeters long, and are found in various marine habitats worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea.
Feeding primarily on plankton and small prey, cestida capture their food using specialized tentacles armed with sticky cells known as colloblasts. These cells discharge threads that entangle and immobilize their prey, allowing the comb jellies to bring it to their mouths for consumption. Despite their similar appearance to jellyfish, cestida are biologically distinct and have unique characteristics that differentiate them from other marine organisms.
Cestida have long fascinated scientists and marine enthusiasts due to their ethereal beauty and their significant role in marine ecosystems. As delicate and graceful creatures of the sea, they contribute to the biodiversity of the marine realm and serve as both predator and prey in the intricate web of ocean life.
Common Misspellings for CESTIDA
- xestida
- vestida
- festida
- destida
- cwstida
- csstida
- cdstida
- crstida
- c4stida
- c3stida
- ceatida
- ceztida
- cextida
- cedtida
- ceetida
- cewtida
- cesrida
- cesfida
- cesgida
Etymology of CESTIDA
The word "cestida" has its roots in Greek. It comes from the Greek word "keste", which means a belt or girdle. In Greek mythology, Cestus was the name of the magical girdle of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The term "cestida" is often used to refer to a group of marine animals known as comb jellies or sea gooseberries. These creatures have long, ribbon-like bodies that resemble a girdle, which is why they were named after Aphrodite's magical belt.
Similar spelling words for CESTIDA
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