MALACOZOA Meaning and
Definition
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Malacozoa refers to a taxonomic group of marine invertebrate animals that comprise two major subgroups: the Bryozoa (also known as Ectoprocta) and the Brachiopoda. Malacozoa is derived from the Greek words "malakos," meaning soft, and "zoon," meaning animal. This name is given to these organisms due to their soft bodies and the absence of a mineralized skeleton.
The Bryozoa are a diverse group of small, colonial animals that form colonies of individuals called zooids. These zooids are connected by a colonial exoskeleton and have a specialized feeding structure, known as a lophophore, which they use to filter feed on microscopic particles in the water.
On the other hand, the Brachiopoda are a group of marine animals that resemble mollusks, although they are not closely related. They possess two shells, or valves, which are hinged together and open at the front. These animals use a specialized appendage called a lophophore to filter feed and live either attached to the seafloor or by using a stalk-like structure known as a pedicle.
While both Bryozoa and Brachiopoda share some similarities in terms of their soft-bodied nature and their use of a lophophore for feeding, they are distinct groups with different evolutionary histories and adaptations. The classification of Malacozoa helps to organize these invertebrates into a broader taxonomic grouping based on certain morphological and physiological characteristics.
Common Misspellings for MALACOZOA
Etymology of MALACOZOA
The word "Malacozoa" is derived from two Greek words: "malaco" meaning soft, and "zoon" meaning animal. "Malacozoa" can be translated as "soft animal". This term is used to refer to a group of marine animals that have soft bodies, such as jellyfish and sea anemones.
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