LARVACEAN Meaning and
Definition
-
A larvacean refers to a marine invertebrate belonging to the class Appendicularia, characterized by its unique feeding mechanism and peculiar anatomy. Larvaceans are solitary, gelatinous creatures found predominantly in the open ocean's pelagic zone, although some species can also inhabit shallower waters. They are a type of tunicate, which are chordates but do not possess a backbone.
Larvaceans possess an intricate filter-feeding system, utilizing a sophisticated mucous house made of a gelatinous substance secreted by glands in their bodies. This delicate house, which can measure a few millimeters to several centimeters in length, functions as both a physical and a biochemical sieve. As the larvacean moves through the water, its house captures tiny organic particles, such as plankton and detritus, suspended in the water column. These particles are subsequently trapped within the mucous structure.
The larvacean continuously pumps water through the house, which not only flushes out waste but also ensures a constant supply of food. Over time, the house becomes clogged with debris, which is ultimately abandoned and replaced with a freshly secreted one. This process is essential for the larvacean's survival, as it maintains a coherent feeding apparatus.
Overall, larvaceans play a vital ecological role in ocean ecosystems, as they efficiently filter vast amounts of microscopic particles, contributing to the cycling of nutrients and energy within marine food webs.
Common Misspellings for LARVACEAN
- karvacean
- parvacean
- oarvacean
- lzrvacean
- lsrvacean
- lwrvacean
- lqrvacean
- laevacean
- ladvacean
- lafvacean
- latvacean
- la5vacean
- la4vacean
- larcacean
- larbacean
- largacean
- larfacean
- larvzcean
- larvscean
Etymology of LARVACEAN
The word "larvacean" is derived from the Latin word "larva", which means "mask" or "ghost". In the context of biology, "larva" refers to an immature stage of an animal that looks different from the adult form. The suffix "-acean" is related to the taxonomic classification of animals, often used for various groups of organisms. Thus, "larvacean" describes a particular group of marine organisms characterized by having a larval form.
Similar spelling words for LARVACEAN
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
