GASTROPODOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Gastropodous is an adjective that describes an organism belonging to the class Gastropoda, which includes a large and diverse group of mollusks characterized by a single, coiled shell or a greatly reduced or absent shell.
In zoology, the term gastropodous specifically refers to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of gastropods, namely their soft bodies, muscular foot used for locomotion, and their unique radula, a specialized feeding organ used for scraping or cutting food. It also includes their reproductive systems, which often feature internal fertilization and various modes of reproduction, from oviparity to viviparity.
The gastropodous mollusks encompass a wide range of species found in aquatic and terrestrial habitats, such as snails, slugs, and sea slugs. They exhibit remarkable ecological diversity, occupying diverse environments from freshwater streams and lakes to deserts and deep-sea trenches. Some gastropods are also capable of aestivation or hibernation during unfavorable conditions.
With their distinctive spiral shells or lack thereof, gastropods have adapted to various modes of life, including herbivory, carnivory, and scavenging. They play critical roles in ecosystems as both prey and predators, contributing to nutrient cycling and maintaining balance within their habitats.
In summary, gastropodous describes the characteristics, anatomy, and physiology of organisms belonging to the Gastropoda class, highlighting their soft bodies, unique radula, locomotion via muscular foot, and reproductive systems. These mollusks occupy a vast array of habitats, showcasing an extensive ecological diversity, and play important roles in ecosystems worldwide.
Common Misspellings for GASTROPODOUS
- fastropodous
- vastropodous
- bastropodous
- hastropodous
- yastropodous
- tastropodous
- gzstropodous
- gsstropodous
- gwstropodous
- gqstropodous
- gaatropodous
- gaztropodous
- gaxtropodous
- gadtropodous
- gaetropodous
- gawtropodous
- gasrropodous
- gasfropodous
- gasgropodous
Etymology of GASTROPODOUS
The word "gastropodous" is derived from two root words: "gastro" and "podous".
1. "Gastro" is derived from the Greek word "gastḗr" (γαστήρ), which means "stomach" or "belly".
2. "Podous" is derived from the Greek word "pous" (πους) or "pod-" (ποδ-), which means "foot" or "leg".
When these two root words are combined, "gastropodous" literally means "stomach-footed" or "belly-footed". The term is used in biology to describe the class Gastropoda, which includes snails, slugs, and other mollusks with a single muscular foot located on the ventral side of their body.
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