LANCELETS Meaning and
Definition
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Lancelets, also known as amphioxus, refer to a group of small, fish-like marine organisms that belong to the subphylum Cephalochordata. These creatures possess several characteristics that set them apart from other chordates. Lancelets measure about two to seven centimeters in length and have a slender, elongated body structure. They are typically transparent or pale in color and lack a true vertebral column.
Lancelets are primarily found in shallow coastal waters and sandy or muddy seabeds across the world. They inhabit burrows just below the sediment surface, where they spend most of their life partially buried. These organisms mainly feed on microscopic organisms and detritus, filtering the water for nutrients. They possess a unique structure called a notochord that runs longitudinally along their body, providing support and flexibility.
These animals have a very simple nervous system, consisting of a small brain, nerve cord, and sensory cells. They lack specialized organs for respiration, instead relying on diffusion through their skin or gills. Reproduction in lancelets is usually sexual, with external fertilization occurring when individuals release sperm and eggs into the water simultaneously.
Lancelets play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as an integral part of the food chain. They provide food sources for numerous predators, such as fish and seabirds. Additionally, these organisms serve as a valuable model for studying early vertebrate evolution and developmental biology due to their close phylogenetic relationship with vertebrates.
Common Misspellings for LANCELETS
- kancelets
- pancelets
- oancelets
- lzncelets
- lsncelets
- lwncelets
- lqncelets
- labcelets
- lamcelets
- lajcelets
- lahcelets
- lanxelets
- lanvelets
- lanfelets
- landelets
- lancwlets
- lancslets
- lancdlets
- lancrlets
- lanc4lets
Etymology of LANCELETS
The word "lancelets" originated from the Middle English term "launcelet", which was derived from the Old French word "launcele" meaning a small lance. The French term was a diminutive form of the word "lance", which referred to a long weapon with a pointed tip used by knights during medieval times. The lancelets, which are small marine chordates resembling a lancehead, were given this name due to their lance-like shape.
Similar spelling words for LANCELETS
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