HYDROZOON Meaning and
Definition
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A hydrozoon (plural: hydrozoa) refers to a diverse group of small, predatory aquatic animals belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. They are characterized by their radial symmetry and the presence of specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes. Hydrozoa includes a wide range of organisms, such as jellyfish, hydras, and colonial species like the Portuguese man o' war.
Typically found in marine environments, hydrozoa display a polymorphic life cycle encompassing both asexual and sexual reproduction. Depending on the species, they can exist as solitary individuals or as colonies composed of specialized zooids. The colonial species exhibit distinct division of labor among different zooids, such as feeding, reproduction, and defense.
Hydrozoa are characterized by their unique structure, with a central feeding and reproductive organ called the polyp. This polyp stage can produce medusae, which are the freely swimming, bell-shaped individuals often referred to as jellyfish. Medusae usually possess tentacles armed with cnidocytes, allowing them to capture and immobilize prey.
Due to their wide variety and ecological significance, hydrozoa play important roles in various marine ecosystems. They serve as both predator and prey, contributing to the complex food web dynamics. Additionally, colonial hydrozoa provide habitats for other marine organisms such as fish and invertebrates.
In summary, hydrozoa encompass a diverse group of small aquatic animals belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. They exhibit unique life cycles, ranging from solitary to colonial species with distinct division of labor. These organisms play vital roles in marine ecosystems and contribute to the intricate balance of predator-prey interactions.
Common Misspellings for HYDROZOON
Etymology of HYDROZOON
The word "Hydrozoon" is derived from two Greek roots: "hydro", meaning "water", and "zōon", meaning "animal". In Greek, "hydro" comes from the word "hudor", and "zōon" is derived from "zōē", which refers to "life". When these roots are combined, "Hydrozoon" literally translates to "water animal". This name reflects the fact that hydrozoans are a group of marine animals that typically inhabit aquatic environments.
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