CTENOSTOMATA Meaning and
Definition
-
Ctenostomata is a taxonomic class within the Bryozoa phylum, also known as the "moss animals." Bryozoa is a group of aquatic invertebrate animals that live in colonies consisting of numerous small individuals called zooids. Ctenostomata is one of the four main classes within Bryozoa, along with Gymnolaemata, Phylactolaemata, and Stenolaemata.
Members of the Ctenostomata class are characterized by their small size, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length. They possess a protective exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate, which forms a series of chambers that house the zooids. These chambers are often organized in a branching, fan-like or encrusting pattern, giving them a moss-like appearance.
Ctenostomes are primarily marine organisms, inhabiting a wide range of aquatic environments, from shallow coastal waters to the open ocean. They are filter feeders, using a specialized feeding structure called a lophophore to capture tiny particles such as plankton from the water. Within their colonies, individual zooids can perform a variety of functions, including feeding, reproduction, and defense.
Due to their ability to colonize various substrates, Ctenostomata species play an essential role in marine ecosystems. They provide habitats for other organisms, contribute to the overall biodiversity, and serve as an indicator species for water quality and ecological changes. Their fossil record dates back several hundred million years, making them important for paleontological studies as well.
Common Misspellings for CTENOSTOMATA
- xtenostomata
- vtenostomata
- ftenostomata
- dtenostomata
- crenostomata
- cfenostomata
- cgenostomata
- cyenostomata
- c6enostomata
- c5enostomata
- ctwnostomata
- ctsnostomata
- ctdnostomata
- ctrnostomata
- ct4nostomata
- ct3nostomata
- ctebostomata
- ctemostomata
- ctejostomata
- ctehostomata
Etymology of CTENOSTOMATA
The word "Ctenostomata" is derived from the Greek words "cteno" meaning "comb" and "stoma" meaning "mouth".
In the context of biology, "Ctenostomata" refers to a class of small, colonial marine invertebrates known as bryozoans. Bryozoans are filter-feeding organisms that have a unique feeding apparatus called a lophophore, which is composed of ciliated tentacles resembling a comb. The "cteno" in "Ctenostomata" refers to this comb-like structure, while "stoma" refers to the mouth of these organisms.
Hence, the term "Ctenostomata" essentially describes bryozoans with a comb-like feeding apparatus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
