ECHINOPLUTEUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "echinopluteus" refers to a stage in the early development of certain echinoderms, particularly sea urchins and starfish. It is derived from the combination of two words: "echino" meaning spiny, which is a characteristic feature of echinoderms, and "pluteus" which describes a larval form with bilateral symmetry rather than the radial symmetry found in adult echinoderms.
The echinopluteus stage occurs after the fertilization of the egg by the sperm and involves the formation of a ciliated larva. These larvae have a distinct shape with a flattened body and elongated arms, resembling a tiny tadpole. They possess a transparent body encased in an outer skeleton, often adorned with spines.
During this stage, echinopluteus larvae are highly mobile and are dispersed by ocean currents. They utilize their cilia for locomotion and feeding, as they actively swim and capture microscopic food particles.
As the echinopluteus larvae continue to develop, they undergo a metamorphosis or transformation into the fully formed adult echinoderm. This process involves the resorption of the larval structures, such as the arms, and the development of the characteristic radial symmetry of echinoderms.
The echinopluteus stage is crucial for the dispersal and survival of echinoderms, allowing them to colonize new areas and adapt to diverse environments. Furthermore, studying the morphology and behavior of echinopluteus larvae provides valuable insights into the biology and ecology of these remarkable marine organisms.
Common Misspellings for ECHINOPLUTEUS
- wchinopluteus
- schinopluteus
- dchinopluteus
- rchinopluteus
- 4chinopluteus
- 3chinopluteus
- exhinopluteus
- evhinopluteus
- efhinopluteus
- edhinopluteus
- ecginopluteus
- ecbinopluteus
- ecninopluteus
- ecjinopluteus
- ecuinopluteus
- ecyinopluteus
- echunopluteus
- echjnopluteus
- echknopluteus
- echonopluteus
Etymology of ECHINOPLUTEUS
The word "echinopluteus" has its origins in ancient Greek. It can be broken down into two components:
1. "Echinos" (ἐχῖνος): This means "hedgehog" or "sea urchin" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "ekhinos" (ἐχίνος), which refers to a sea urchin with its spiny outer surface resembling the spines of a hedgehog.
2. "Plouteus" (πλουτεύς): This word means "sailor" or "sailing" in Greek. It comes from the Greek verb "ploutéo" (πλουτέω), which means "to sail" or "to navigate".
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