MALACOSTRAN Meaning and
Definition
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Malacostran is an adjective that refers to the class Malacostraca, a group of crustaceans characterized by having a hard exoskeleton, two pairs of antennae, and numerous pairs of jointed legs. This class includes various marine animals, such as crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish.
In a broader sense, the term malacostran can also be used as a noun to designate any organism belonging to the class Malacostraca. These animals typically have a segmented body, a cephalothorax, and an abdomen, with their legs attached to the thorax. They have a calcified exoskeleton that provides protection and support, and must periodically molt to grow. Malacostrans possess two pairs of sensory antennae that they use to detect changes in their environment. They respire using specialized gills or, in some cases, modified structures called pseudotracheae.
Malacostrans are an extremely diverse group, with over 40,000 known species inhabiting a variety of aquatic environments including oceans, freshwater lakes, and rivers. Many malacostran species are commercially important and are actively harvested for human consumption due to their desirable taste and nutritional value. Others play key ecological roles in maintaining the balance of marine and freshwater ecosystems by serving as prey for larger organisms or participating in nutrient cycling.
In conclusion, malacostran is an adjective and noun that refers to a wide range of crustaceans belonging to the class Malacostraca, including crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish, among others. These animals possess numerous legs, a hard exoskeleton, and segmented bodies, and are found in various aquatic environments.
Common Misspellings for MALACOSTRAN
- nalacostran
- kalacostran
- jalacostran
- mzlacostran
- mslacostran
- mwlacostran
- mqlacostran
- makacostran
- mapacostran
- maoacostran
- malzcostran
- malscostran
- malwcostran
- malqcostran
- malaxostran
- malavostran
- malafostran
- maladostran
- malacistran
- malackstran
Etymology of MALACOSTRAN
The word "malacostran" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "malako" meaning "soft", and "ostrakon" meaning "shell".
In zoology, "malacostran" is used as a term to describe a superorder of crustaceans that includes a wide range of species such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. This term refers to the fact that the exoskeleton, or shell, of these animals is relatively soft compared to other crustaceans.
The word's etymology reflects the Greek roots, where "malako" and "ostrakon" combine to form "malacostran", indicating the softness of their exoskeleton.
