ECHINOZOA Meaning and
Definition
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Echinozoa refers to a taxonomic class within the phylum Echinodermata, which comprises a diverse group of marine animals commonly known as the sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea biscuits. This class is characterized by having a spiny exoskeleton that encases their bodies and is made up of calcium carbonate.
The term "Echinozoa" is derived from the Greek words "echinos," meaning "spiny," and "zoa," meaning "animals." These organisms are exclusively found in marine habitats, inhabiting various depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to oceanic trenches.
Members of the Echinozoa class possess a spherical or flattened body shape, depending on the species. They also feature a unique water vascular system, a network of fluid-filled canals that aid in locomotion, respiration, and feeding. This system is used to operate their tubular feet, which they utilize for movement, attachment to surfaces, and capturing prey.
Echinozoans are predominantly herbivorous, feeding on algae and other small organic particles. They possess a specialized feeding structure called Aristotle's lantern, which is composed of five tooth-like structures that enable them to scrape and chew their food.
These marine organisms have a vital role in marine ecosystems as they contribute to the turnover and distribution of sediments in the ocean floor. They also serve as a food source for various marine organisms, including humans in certain cultures where sea urchins are harvested for consumption.
Overall, Echinozoa represents a diverse group of spiny marine animals that play important ecological roles and have captivated the interest of scientists and nature enthusiasts due to their unique adaptations and fascinating biology.
Common Misspellings for ECHINOZOA
- wchinozoa
- schinozoa
- dchinozoa
- rchinozoa
- 4chinozoa
- 3chinozoa
- exhinozoa
- evhinozoa
- efhinozoa
- edhinozoa
- ecginozoa
- ecbinozoa
- ecninozoa
- ecjinozoa
- ecuinozoa
- ecyinozoa
- echunozoa
- echjnozoa
- echknozoa
- echonozoa
Etymology of ECHINOZOA
The word "Echinozoa" is derived from two Greek words: "echinos" meaning "hedgehog" or "urchin", and "zoa" meaning "animals".
The term "Echinozoa" is used in taxonomy to refer to a group of marine animals known as echinoderms. Echinoderms include organisms like sea urchins, sea stars (or starfish), sand dollars, and sea cucumbers. The name is aptly chosen due to the presence of spiny or prickly structures on the body of many echinoderms, resembling the spines of a hedgehog or sea urchin. Hence, "Echinozoa" directly translates to "hedgehog animals" or "urchin animals", reflecting the characteristics of these organisms.
Similar spelling words for ECHINOZOA
- Eschewance,
- Echeance,
- Washiness,
- Aeschines,
- achehnese,
- Acheenese,
- Ichnos,
- achiness,
- eyeshines,
- ashiness,
- washins,
- itchiness,
- wishy-washiness,
- auchans,
- wheyishness,
- ations,
- itchines,
- echinus,
- echeneis,
- witchens,
- echanis,
- ichinose,
- echinacea,
- achenes,
- etions.
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