DEUTEROSTOME Meaning and
Definition
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Deuterostome is a scientific term used in the field of biology to describe a specific group of animals that follows a particular pattern of embryonic development. It refers to a major branch of the animal kingdom, comprising organisms such as chordates, echinoderms, and a few other related species.
The term "deuterostome" is derived from the Greek words "deutero," meaning second, and "stoma," meaning mouth. This name is given because deuterostomes exhibit a unique trait during their embryonic development where the blastopore, which is the first opening that forms in the embryo, eventually develops into the organism's anus. The mouth, on the other hand, is formed at a later stage from a second opening, usually called the secondary opening.
Furthermore, deuterostomes typically possess bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies can be divided into two mirror-image halves. They also possess a true coelom, which refers to a fluid-filled body cavity completely lined by mesoderm.
In terms of evolutionary significance, deuterostomes are considered to be highly diverse and successful, with representatives inhabiting various ecosystems on Earth. They include organisms such as humans, mammals, fish, birds, and many other vertebrates. With their complex body plans and advanced organ systems, deuterostomes have played a significant role in shaping the animal kingdom and its ecological dynamics.
Etymology of DEUTEROSTOME
The word "deuterostome" is derived from the Greek words "deuteros" meaning "second" and "stoma" meaning "mouth". The term was coined to describe a specific embryonic development pattern found in certain animal groups, where the second embryonic opening that forms during gastrulation becomes the mouth in the adult organism. Deuterostomes include diverse organisms such as echinoderms (e.g., starfish), chordates (e.g., vertebrates), and some other lesser-known marine animals.
