ELASMOBRANCH Meaning and
Definition
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Elasmobranchs are a diverse group of cartilaginous fish belonging to the subclass Elasmobranchii, which includes sharks, rays, and skates. They have a unique skeletal structure made of cartilage rather than bone, distinguishing them from bony fish. The name "elasmobranch" is derived from the Greek words "elasma," meaning "plate" or "metal foil," and "brankhia," meaning "gills," reflecting the plate-like structure known as "gill slits" present in these creatures.
Elasmobranchs are predominantly marine animals, with a few exceptions inhabiting freshwater environments. They possess streamlined bodies, typically with a pair of pectoral fins and a heterocercal tail, which helps in efficient swimming. Their jaws are equipped with numerous sharp, replaceable teeth, well-adapted for catching and consuming prey.
These creatures exhibit a wide range of sizes, from small species like the dwarf lanternshark, measuring around 17 centimeters in length, to large and mighty sharks like the whale shark, reaching lengths of over 10 meters. Elasmobranchs occupy various ecological niches, inhabiting oceans and seas across the globe, from tropical to polar regions.
Elasmobranchs are carnivorous predators and play important roles in marine ecosystems as apex predators or mesopredators, regulating the populations of prey species. While they are generally feared due to their association with shark attacks, the majority of elasmobranch species are harmless to humans and do not pose a threat. Nonetheless, they are vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation, making conservation efforts crucial for the long-term survival of these ancient creatures.
Common Misspellings for ELASMOBRANCH
- wlasmobranch
- slasmobranch
- dlasmobranch
- rlasmobranch
- 4lasmobranch
- 3lasmobranch
- ekasmobranch
- epasmobranch
- eoasmobranch
- elzsmobranch
- elssmobranch
- elwsmobranch
- elqsmobranch
- elaamobranch
- elazmobranch
- elaxmobranch
- eladmobranch
- elaemobranch
- elawmobranch
Etymology of ELASMOBRANCH
The word "elasmobranch" is derived from two Greek words: "elasmós" meaning "metal plate" or "shiny surface" and "bránkhia" meaning "gills". "Elasmobranch" was coined in the 19th century by scientists who used these Greek words to describe a group of cartilaginous fish that have gills covered with a tough, shiny membrane or plate-like structure. This term specifically refers to the subclass Elasmobranchii, which includes sharks, rays, and skates.
Similar spelling word for ELASMOBRANCH
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