ENTOMOSTRACON Meaning and
Definition
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Entomostracon, also known as entomostracan, is a term primarily used in the field of zoology to describe a particular group of small aquatic arthropods. These organisms belong to the class Entomostraca, which is a diverse group comprising various crustaceans, including some species of copepods, cladocerans, and ostracods.
Characterized by their segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and chitinous exoskeletons, entomostracons typically inhabit freshwater or marine environments, although some species can also be found in terrestrial habitats such as damp soil or leaf litter. Due to their small size, these organisms often play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems as both primary consumers and prey for larger organisms.
The name entomostracon is derived from the Greek words "entomon" meaning "insect" and "ostrakon" meaning "shell". This nomenclature relates to the presence of a bivalve shell-like structure known as a carapace, which provides protection for the body of the organism. The carapace is typically formed by the fusion of multiple segments, and in some species, it may be calcified or ornamented for additional protection or for displaying various species-specific characteristics.
Entomostracons exhibit a wide range of feeding habits, ranging from filter feeding to predation, depending on the species. Some copepods, for example, are filter feeders that consume minute particles suspended in water, while cladocerans have specialized appendages known as antennae that they use to collect and ingest food. Ostracods, on the other hand, can be omnivorous, feeding on detritus, algae, and even other smaller organisms.
Overall, the term entomostracon
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A member of the class of crustaceous animals represented in the English fauna by the water-flea.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ENTOMOSTRACON
- entomostrabon
- entomostracgn
- entomostracmn
- entomostracnn
- entomostracof
- entomostracol
- entomostracoo
- entwomostracon
- e ntomostracon
- en tomostracon
- ent omostracon
- ento mostracon
- entom ostracon
- entomo stracon
- entomos tracon
- entomost racon
- entomostr acon
- entomostra con
- entomostrac on
- entomostraco n
Etymology of ENTOMOSTRACON
The word "entomostracon" is a compound word consisting of two Greek roots: "entomo" and "stracon".
The Greek word "entomo" (ἔντομο) comes from "éntomon", meaning "insect" or "cut into sections". In Greek, "entomo" is derived from the prefix "en", which means "in" or "within", and "tomḗ", meaning "a cutting" or "a section".
The Greek word "stracon" is derived from "strakon" (στράκον), which refers to the hard covering or armor of a crustacean, such as a lobster or crab.
Therefore, when combined, "entomostracon" becomes a word that describes a hard, sectioned covering or exoskeleton resembling that of an insect or crustacean.
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