HETEROTRICHIDA Meaning and
Definition
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Heterotrichida is a taxonomic order of ciliate protozoans that belong to the class Spirotrichea. It encompasses a diverse group of unicellular organisms characterized by their unique morphological features and complex behavior. The members of Heterotrichida are characterized by possessing a flexible and contractile body covered in many rows of cilia, which are used for locomotion and feeding purposes.
These ciliates typically have a flat and elongated body shape, with a distinct anterior and posterior end. At the anterior end, they possess a well-developed oral apparatus consisting of cilia-lined grooves called oral vestibules, which lead to the mouth opening. The oral apparatus allows them to engulf and ingest food particles from their surroundings.
Heterotrichids inhabit various aquatic environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems. They can be found in both planktonic and benthic habitats, where they play essential roles in nutrient cycling and food webs. Some heterotrichids are free-living, whereas others can form symbiotic relationships with other organisms.
The behavior of Heterotrichida is noteworthy, as they exhibit complex patterns of movement. They can move rapidly with coordinated swimming movements using their cilia or adhere to surfaces through a sticky posterior end, using a structure called a holdfast. Moreover, they can also undergo morphological changes, such as cell division and formation of cysts, to adapt to changing environmental conditions or as part of their life cycle.
In summary, Heterotrichida is an order of ciliate protozoans that possess a distinctive body shape, rowed cilia, and a complex behavior. They are important components of aquatic ecosystems and exhibit remarkable adaptability to their surroundings.
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An order of Ciliata in which there is an adoral zone of membranelles formed of fused cilia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HETEROTRICHIDA
- geterotrichida
- beterotrichida
- neterotrichida
- jeterotrichida
- ueterotrichida
- yeterotrichida
- hwterotrichida
- hsterotrichida
- hdterotrichida
- hrterotrichida
- h4terotrichida
- h3terotrichida
- hererotrichida
- heferotrichida
- hegerotrichida
- heyerotrichida
- he6erotrichida
- he5erotrichida
- hetwrotrichida
- hetsrotrichida
Etymology of HETEROTRICHIDA
The word "Heterotrichida" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The root "hetero" comes from the Greek word "heteros" meaning "other" or "different". It is commonly used in biology to refer to differences or variations in characteristics.
The word "trichida" is derived from the Latin word "triches" meaning "hair" or "thread". It is usually added as a suffix to denote a group or class within a taxonomic hierarchy.
Therefore, the term "Heterotrichida" combines these elements to indicate a group or class characterized by differences or variations in hair-like structures.
