ECTOZOON Meaning and
Definition
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An ectozoon refers to a small organism that lives externally on the body surface of another organism, oftentimes as a parasite or commensal. The term is derived from the Greek words "ecto," meaning outside or external, and "zoon," meaning animal. Ectozoons can encompass a wide range of organisms, including insects, arthropods, mites, crustaceans, or even certain types of fungi.
As parasites, ectozoans typically obtain their nourishment from the host organism, utilizing various mechanisms to attach to the body surface or feed on bodily fluids such as blood, skin, or tissue. Examples of ectoparasites include ticks, lice, fleas, and mites. They can cause distress and discomfort to the host, potentially leading to various health issues.
In contrast, ectozoons that exist as commensals survive on or near the host without causing significant harm or benefit. They may rely on the host for transportation, shelter, or a food source that does not cause harm. Some common examples of ectocommensals are certain species of birds or mammals that reside on larger animals like buffalo or rhinoceroses, using them as a means of transportation across vast distances.
Understanding ectozoans is crucial in terms of wildlife management, veterinary medicine, and public health, as they can transmit diseases between individuals or across different species. Studying ectozoons and their interactions with host organisms helps scientists and researchers develop strategies to safeguard the health and well-being of both animals and humans.
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An animal parasite on the surface of the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ECTOZOON
- wctozoon
- sctozoon
- dctozoon
- rctozoon
- 4ctozoon
- 3ctozoon
- extozoon
- evtozoon
- eftozoon
- edtozoon
- ecrozoon
- ecfozoon
- ecgozoon
- ecyozoon
- ec6ozoon
- ec5ozoon
- ectizoon
- ectkzoon
- ectlzoon
Etymology of ECTOZOON
The word "ectozoon" is composed of two Greek roots: "ecto" meaning "outside" or "external", and "zoon" meaning "animal".
The prefix "ecto-" comes from the Greek word "ektos", meaning "outside" or "outer". It is frequently used in scientific terminology to refer to something that is located outside or on the surface of something else. For example, "ectoderm" refers to the outer layer of cells in an embryo.
The second part of the word, "zoon", comes from the Greek word "zōon", which means "animal". This root is used in various biological terms, signifying an organism or living being. For example, "zoology" is the study of animals, and "zoonosis" refers to diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Similar spelling words for ECTOZOON
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