HETEROPODS Meaning and
Definition
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Heteropods are a type of marine gastropods that belong to the family Heteropodidae. These organisms are often referred to as "sea snails" due to their similar appearance, but they have unique characteristics that distinguish them from typical snails.
Unlike most gastropods, heteropods possess a peculiar shell structure. Instead of having a coiled or spiral-shaped shell, which is characteristic of most snails, heteropods have a partially or fully transparent shell that resembles a straight or slightly curved plate. This shell structure allows them to float in open water, giving them the ability to move in a different manner compared to other gastropods.
Heteropods are well adapted for a pelagic or open-ocean lifestyle. They have well-developed swimming abilities, making them efficient predators of small zooplankton and other microscopic organisms. Their streamlined bodies and large swimming appendages, called "parapodia," facilitate their movement through the water column.
Heteropods are found in the world's oceans, from shallow coastal areas to the deep sea. They can be observed in various regions, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. Some species are even able to inhabit polar seas.
Due to their unique morphology and ecological importance, heteropods have attracted scientific interest. They serve as indicators of ocean health and are considered useful bioindicators for studying the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities on marine ecosystems. Understanding the biology and ecology of heteropods is crucial for assessing the health and resilience of the world's oceans.
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Molluscous animals whose feet are compressed so as to form a kind of vertical fins.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HETEROPODS
- geteropods
- beteropods
- neteropods
- jeteropods
- ueteropods
- yeteropods
- hwteropods
- hsteropods
- hdteropods
- hrteropods
- h4teropods
- h3teropods
- hereropods
- heferopods
- hegeropods
- heyeropods
- he6eropods
- he5eropods
- hetwropods
- hetsropods
Etymology of HETEROPODS
The word "heteropods" has a Greek origin. It is derived from two Greek words:
1. "hetero-" (Ετερο-) meaning "different" or "other".
2. "podos" (Ποδος) meaning "foot" or "leg".
Therefore, "heteropods" refers to "animals with different or other feet" or "creatures with distinct legs".
Similar spelling words for HETEROPODS
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