OPHIURIDA Meaning and
Definition
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Ophiurida is a noun that refers to a class of marine echinoderms, commonly known as brittle stars or serpent stars. It encompasses a diverse group of about 2,000 species, known for their slender, flexible arms and unique body structure.
Brittle stars are characterized by their five long, slender arms radiating from a central disk-shaped body, supported by a skeletal structure of calcium carbonate. Compared to their relatives, sea stars, they have a more delicate and fragile appearance. Each arm is composed of numerous small segments, allowing for exceptional flexibility and maneuverability, enabling brittle stars to move gracefully across the ocean floor.
These echinoderms are predominantly marine creatures, found in various ocean habitats worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including rocky reefs, sandy or muddy bottoms, and coral reefs. Some species are even known to thrive in extreme conditions, such as hydrothermal vents and cold seeps.
Brittle stars are generally nocturnal and display a diverse array of feeding strategies. They are known to be opportunistic scavengers, filter feeders, or active predators, preying on small marine organisms and detritus. They possess a unique ability to regenerate their arms if damaged, a characteristic shared with other echinoderms.
As vital members of marine ecosystems, brittle stars play an essential role in nutrient cycling and bioturbation, contributing to sediment processing and overall ecosystem health. They also serve as an important food source for various marine predators, including fish and crustaceans.
Common Misspellings for OPHIURIDA
- iphiurida
- kphiurida
- lphiurida
- pphiurida
- 0phiurida
- 9phiurida
- oohiurida
- olhiurida
- o-hiurida
- o0hiurida
- opgiurida
- opbiurida
- opniurida
- opjiurida
- opuiurida
- opyiurida
- ophuurida
- ophjurida
- ophkurida
Etymology of OPHIURIDA
The word Ophiurida is derived from Greek roots.
The term ophiu is derived from the Greek word ophis, meaning snake or serpent. This is because Ophiurida are commonly known as brittle stars, and the long, flexible arms of these echinoderms resemble the slithering movement of snakes.
The suffix -ida is often used in taxonomic names to indicate a group or order of organisms, so Ophiurida refers to the order of brittle stars within the class Ophiuroidea.
Thus, the term Ophiurida can be translated as snake-like brittle stars or brittle stars of the order Ophiu.
Similar spelling words for OPHIURIDA
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