CYCLOBRANCHIATE Meaning and
Definition
-
Cyclobranchiate is an adjective used to describe a specific group of aquatic organisms belonging to the class Cyclostomata, which includes hagfish and lampreys. These animals possess distinctive features that set them apart from other aquatic creatures. The term "cyclobranchiate" can be broken down into two parts: "cyclo" meaning circular or ring-shaped and "branchiate" referring to branchiae or gills.
Cyclobranchiate organisms display a circular arrangement or pattern of gill openings along their body. This unique arrangement is in contrast to most other fish and aquatic creatures that typically have gill slits located on the sides of their bodies. The gills of cyclobranchiates are specialized structures that allow them to extract oxygen from the water, essential for their respiration.
Hagfish and lampreys, both cyclobranchiates, are primitive aquatic animals with elongated, eel-like bodies. They are known for their jawless mouths, which they use to attach to and feed on the blood and tissues of other fish. These creatures exhibit a significant level of adaptability, inhabiting various environments from freshwater to marine ecosystems.
The term "cyclobranchiate" is primarily used in scientific contexts, such as taxonomy and biology, to categorize and identify these unique organisms based on their distinctive circular gill arrangement. It serves as a descriptive term that allows for the precise classification of these particular aquatic creatures.
-
Having the gills disposed round the body, as among certain shell-fish, like the limpet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CYCLOBRANCHIATE
- xyclobranchiate
- vyclobranchiate
- fyclobranchiate
- dyclobranchiate
- ctclobranchiate
- cgclobranchiate
- chclobranchiate
- cuclobranchiate
- c7clobranchiate
- c6clobranchiate
- cyxlobranchiate
- cyvlobranchiate
- cyflobranchiate
- cydlobranchiate
- cyckobranchiate
- cycpobranchiate
- cycoobranchiate
- cyclibranchiate
- cyclkbranchiate
- cycllbranchiate
Etymology of CYCLOBRANCHIATE
The word "Cyclobranchiate" is derived from the combination of two roots: "cyclo-" and "branchiate".
- "Cyclo-" is derived from the Greek word "kyklos", meaning "circle" or "ring". In scientific terminology, "cyclo-" is often used to refer to a circular or rounded shape.
- "Branchiate" is derived from the Latin word "branchia", meaning "gill". It pertains to organisms that possess gills, which are respiratory organs found in aquatic animals such as fish, amphibians, and some invertebrates.
When these two roots are combined, "Cyclobranchiate" refers to a specific group of aquatic animals that possess gills typically arranged in a circular or ring-like pattern. It is commonly used in biology to describe various species, particularly certain crustaceans and mollusks.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
