PARAZOAN Meaning and
Definition
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Parazoan refers to a group of simple, multicellular, and primitive animals that belong to the phylum Porifera. The term "parazoan" is derived from the Greek words "para," meaning "next to" or "near," and "zoan," meaning "animal." This classification is used to describe organisms that possess a relatively simple anatomical structure and lack tissues and organs found in higher animals.
Parazoans, commonly known as sponges, represent the earliest branch of multicellular animals and have been in existence for more than 600 million years. They are mostly found in aquatic environments, including freshwater and marine habitats.
Parazoans typically have a body structure composed of numerous specialized cells, known as choanocytes, which line the internal chambers of their body. These cells help in generating water currents and filter microscopic food particles, which are then ingested and digested. Many sponges also have a skeleton made up of spicules, which provides support and protection.
Being sessile organisms, parazoans are unable to move actively and rely on water currents to bring them nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products. They are considered filter feeders, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by filtering large volumes of water and removing organic particles.
In summary, parazoans are the simplest multicellular animals that lack specialized tissues and organs. Sponges, the members of this group, possess a basic body plan consisting of choanocytes, specialized cells that filter food particles, and often have a skeleton for support.
Common Misspellings for PARAZOAN
- oarazoan
- larazoan
- -arazoan
- 0arazoan
- pzrazoan
- psrazoan
- pwrazoan
- pqrazoan
- paeazoan
- padazoan
- pafazoan
- patazoan
- pa5azoan
- pa4azoan
- parzzoan
- parszoan
- parwzoan
- parqzoan
- paraxoan
Etymology of PARAZOAN
The word "parazoan" is composed of two parts: "para" and "zoan".
The prefix "para" comes from the Greek word "para" which means "beside" or "next to". It is often used as a prefix to convey the idea of "beyond" or "transition". In the case of "parazoan", it is used to indicate that these organisms are "beside" or "transitional" forms between the lower multicellular animals and the higher multicellular animals.
The second part, "zoan", also stems from the Greek word "zoan" meaning "animal". It is derived from the Greek word "zoon" which means "living being" or "animal". This indicates that parazoans are a group of animals.
Therefore, the word "parazoan" can be interpreted as "beside-animal" or "transitional animal".
Similar spelling words for PARAZOAN
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