How Do You Spell METAZOAN?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəzˈə͡ʊn] (IPA)

The term "metazoan" refers to a multi-cellular animal. Its spelling is derived from Greek roots-"meta" meaning "beyond" and "zoon" meaning "animal". In IPA phonetic transcription, "meta" is pronounced as /ˈmetə/ and "zoan" as /ˈzoʊən/, with emphasis on the second syllable. When combined, the word is pronounced as /məˈtæzoʊən/. The spelling of this word is important in scientific contexts as it differentiates between animals and their single-celled counterparts, the protozoans.

METAZOAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Metazoan refers to a multicellular organism belonging to the kingdom Animalia. Derived from the Greek terms "meta" meaning beyond or after, and "zoan" meaning animal, metazoans represent a vast and diverse group of animal species characterized by cellular differentiation and specialized tissues and organs.

    Metazoans are distinguished from unicellular organisms (e.g., bacteria and protists), as well as colonial organisms composed of multiple individual cells (e.g., sponges and volvox), by their complex structural organization. Metazoan bodies are composed of various specialized cell types, which collaborate and interact to perform specific functions required for survival.

    The classification of metazoans is based on embryonic development, body plan, and genetic relatedness. It includes animals ranging from simple, undifferentiated organisms to complex, highly evolved creatures. This classification encompasses creatures as diverse as insects, fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals, including humans.

    Metazoans exhibit a variety of reproduction methods, including sexual and asexual modes. They display various modes of feeding, locomotion, sensory perception, and communication. Additionally, their anatomical structures and physiological systems are adapted to specific ecological niches and environmental conditions.

    Metazoans have colonized virtually every known habitat on Earth, from terrestrial environments to aquatic ecosystems, including both freshwater and marine habitats. The immense diversity and ecological adaptation of metazoans contribute significantly to the global ecosystem function, including nutrient cycling, pollination, seed dispersal, and predation.

Common Misspellings for METAZOAN

Etymology of METAZOAN

The word "metazoan" is derived from two Greek roots: "meta" meaning "after" or "beyond" and "zoan" meaning "animal". The term was coined in the 19th century to describe animals in contrast to single-celled organisms or protozoans. It was used to represent the multicellular organisms that are composed of differentiated cells working together to form tissues and organs.

Plural form of METAZOAN is METAZOANS

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