Acorn worm, also known as enteropneust, is a marine invertebrate that belongs to the phylum Hemichordata. These creatures are found in the sandy and muddy bottoms of the ocean and are known for their unique appearance and feeding habits. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of acorn worm.
Definitions
Acorn worm is a marine invertebrate that belongs to the phylum Hemichordata. These creatures have a long, slender body and are usually found in the sandy and muddy bottoms of the ocean. They are known for their unique feeding habits, which involve burrowing into the sediment and filtering organic matter from the water.
Origin
Acorn worms have been around for millions of years and are believed to have evolved during the Cambrian period. They are found in oceans all around the world and are an important part of many marine ecosystems.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acorn worm is defined as “any of a family (Enteropneusta) of marine worms that have a long, slender body and a proboscis bearing tentacles for gathering food and that include some that burrow in mud or sand and others that live in tubes.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines acorn worm as “any of a group of marine invertebrates with a long, worm-like body and a proboscis for feeding.”
Associations
Acorn worms are associated with marine ecosystems and are an important part of many food webs. They are also used in scientific research to study the evolution of invertebrates and the development of the nervous system.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for acorn worm include enteropneust, hemichordate, and pterobranch.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for acorn worm, as it is a specific type of marine invertebrate.
The same root words
There are no specific root words for acorn worm, but the term “Hemichordata” comes from the Greek words “hemi,” meaning half, and “chorda,” meaning cord or string.
Example Sentences
- The acorn worm is a fascinating creature that is found in oceans all around the world.
- Scientists are studying the nervous system of the acorn worm to better understand the evolution of invertebrates.
- The enteropneust, or acorn worm, is an important part of many marine food webs.