INFUSORIA Meaning and
Definition
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Infusoria refers to a diverse group of microorganisms that belong to the protozoan phylum Ciliophora, specifically the order Infusoria. These microscopic organisms are predominantly aquatic and are characterized by the presence of cilia or hair-like appendages that cover their bodies. The name "infusoria" originated from their common occurrence in infusions, which are liquid mixtures containing organic matter that has been soaked or steeped in water.
Infusoria exhibit a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, ranging from oval or spherical to elongated or irregular. Their cilia play a critical role in locomotion, food capture, and sensory perception. Infusoria are heterotrophic and feed on organic debris, bacteria, algae, and other small microorganisms present in their habitat. They are often found in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and even in puddles.
Due to their vital ecological role as decomposers, infusoria contribute to recycling nutrients and maintaining the balance of microbial populations in aquatic ecosystems. They are also used as bioindicators to assess water quality, particularly in environmental monitoring studies.
Infusoria are commonly studied organisms in microbiology laboratories and are widely used as models for research on cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Their extensive biodiversity and unique cellular structures make them fascinating subjects of scientific inquiry as they provide insights into various fundamental biological processes.
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Ciliophora; a subphylum (or class) of Protozoa, the members of which have a generative micronucleus and a vegetative macronucleus, and are provided with cilia, either free or fused into membranes; the cilia may be permanent or present only in the early stages.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Very minute animal organisms or animalcules inhabiting water containing decaying vegetable or animal matter-so called from their being readily obtained in infusions of vegetable matter that have been exposed to the air.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INFUSORIA
- unfusoria
- jnfusoria
- knfusoria
- onfusoria
- 9nfusoria
- 8nfusoria
- ibfusoria
- imfusoria
- ijfusoria
- ihfusoria
- indusoria
- incusoria
- invusoria
- ingusoria
- intusoria
- inrusoria
- infysoria
- infhsoria
- infjsoria
Etymology of INFUSORIA
The word "infusoria" is derived from the Latin term "infusum", meaning "infused" or "soaked", and the suffix "-oria", which is used to denote a class or group of organisms.
The word was coined in the late 18th century by the German naturalist and microscopist Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg. Ehrenberg named these microscopic organisms "infusoria" because he observed them in infusions, which are solutions made by soaking biological materials such as hay, leaves, or animal tissues in water.
Ehrenberg's work advanced the understanding of these minute organisms, leading to observations of their various forms, locomotion, and feeding habits. Today, the term "infusoria" is still used to refer to a group of ciliate protozoans, characterized by their small size and the presence of numerous hair-like structures called cilia.
Similar spelling words for INFUSORIA
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