HOLOTRICHIDA Meaning and
Definition
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Holotrichida is a taxonomic class in the phylum Ciliophora, which consists of a diverse group of microscopic protozoans characterized by their uniform distribution of cilia over the entire body surface. These cilia are short, hair-like projections that enable locomotion and aid in the capture of food particles.
Members of the class Holotrichida experience a wide range of habitats, including freshwater, soil, and marine environments. They play important roles in various ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and the decomposition of organic matter.
These organisms exhibit a solitary lifestyle and are mainly free-living, although some species may form temporary aggregations or colonies. They are known to exhibit a variety of feeding habits, including predation, filter feeding, and scavenging, thus occupying different trophic levels within their respective ecosystems.
Holotrichida undergo asexual reproduction by binary fission, splitting into two identical daughter cells. They also possess a primitive form of sexual reproduction, involving the exchange and fusion of genetic material between two individuals during conjugation.
This class is characterized by the absence of specialized structures, such as adhesive or toxic organelles, which are present in other ciliate classes. The simplicity of their body structure and uniform distribution of cilia distinguishes them from other ciliate groups.
In summary, Holotrichida is a taxonomic class of ciliates consisting of diverse microscopic protozoans that exhibit a uniform distribution of cilia over their body surface. They are important contributors to ecosystem processes and possess various feeding habits.
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An order of Ciliata in which cilia are distributed over the entire body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HOLOTRICHIDA
- golotrichida
- bolotrichida
- nolotrichida
- jolotrichida
- uolotrichida
- yolotrichida
- hilotrichida
- hklotrichida
- hllotrichida
- hplotrichida
- h0lotrichida
- h9lotrichida
- hokotrichida
- hopotrichida
- hoootrichida
- holitrichida
- holktrichida
- holltrichida
- holptrichida
- hol0trichida
Etymology of HOLOTRICHIDA
The word "Holotrichida" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It consists of two components: "holo" and "trichida".
- "Holo" (ὅλος) means "whole" or "entire" in Greek. It can also convey the idea of "completeness" or "wholeness".
- "Trichida" stems from the Greek word "thrix" (τρίχα), which translates to "hair" or "filament".
Thus, combining these two components leads to the word "Holotrichida", which refers to a group or order of ciliated protozoa characterized by having cilia distributed uniformly over their entire body or surface.
