Actinopteran is a term that is often used in the field of zoology and biology. It refers to a class of fish that have ray-finned fins. This class of fish is one of the most diverse and abundant groups of vertebrates on the planet. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of actinopteran, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Actinopteran is a term used to describe a group of fish that have fins supported by bony rays. These rays are made of bone and are connected to the fish’s skeleton. This class of fish includes more than 30,000 species, making it one of the largest groups of vertebrates.
Origin
The term actinopteran comes from the Greek words “aktis,” which means ray, and “pteron,” which means wing or fin. This term was first used by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier in the early 19th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term actinopteran is defined in different dictionaries as a class of fish that have fins supported by bony rays. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines actinopteran as “any of a class (Actinopterygii) of bony fishes having fins supported by bony rays.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines actinopteran as “a fish of a large class distinguished by the possession of fins supported by bony rays.”
Associations
Actinopteran fish are found in almost every aquatic habitat, from freshwater streams and rivers to the open ocean. They are an important source of food for humans and other animals, and many species are popular in the aquarium trade. Some well-known examples of actinopteran fish include salmon, trout, tuna, and swordfish.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for actinopteran include ray-finned fish, bony fish, and osteichthyes.
Antonyms
The antonym of actinopteran is chondrichthyes, which refers to cartilaginous fish such as sharks, rays, and skates.
The same root words
The same root words as actinopteran are used in other scientific terms. For example, the term “actinomycin” refers to a class of antibiotics that are produced by bacteria and have a similar structure to the bony rays in actinopteran fish.
Example Sentences
- The actinopteran fish is one of the most diverse and abundant groups of vertebrates on the planet.
- Salmon and trout are examples of actinopteran fish that are popular in the fishing industry.
- The aquarium had a variety of actinopteran fish on display, including angelfish and clownfish.