CYCLOSTOMES Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclostomes are a group of jawless fish belonging to the superclass Agnatha. They are characterized by their circular-shaped mouths and lack of true jaws. The cyclostomes encompass two main extant orders: Myxini (hagfish) and Petromyzontida (lampreys).
Hagfish, also known as slime eels, are marine creatures with elongated, eel-like bodies. They have smooth, scaleless skin and possess a skull made of cartilage rather than bone. Hagfish are scavengers, feeding on dead or dying animals in the ocean. They have a unique defense mechanism where they excrete copious amounts of sticky slime when attacked or threatened.
Lampreys, on the other hand, are parasitic or non-parasitic fish found in both fresh and saltwater habitats. They have elongated, cylindrical bodies with suction-cup like mouths lined with rows of sharp teeth used to attach to other fish and feed on their blood and bodily fluids. Non-parasitic lampreys, however, do not feed as adults and depend on stored energy reserves from their larval stage.
Both hagfish and lampreys are considered living fossils due to their ancient origins and primitive characteristics. They lack true vertebrae and possess a notochord throughout their lives. Cyclostomes have a significant impact on their respective ecosystems as both predators and scavengers, contributing to nutrient recycling and maintaining ecosystem balance.
In summary, cyclostomes are a group of jawless fish consisting of hagfish and lampreys, characterized by their circular mouths, lack of jaws, and primitive features.
Common Misspellings for CYCLOSTOMES
- cylostomes
- cyclosteomes
- cyclimostomes
- syclostomes
- cyclosmomes
- cyclostomese
- cyclosmones
- cyclostomeys
- cycloostomes
Etymology of CYCLOSTOMES
The word "cyclostomes" is derived from the Greek words "kyklos" meaning "circle" or "round" and "stoma" meaning "mouth". The word refers to a group of jawless fish that have a circular or round mouth structure, hence the name cyclostomes.
