The word “ambulacra” is not a commonly used term in everyday language, but it has an important significance in biology and zoology. It is a term that refers to a specific part of the anatomy of certain animals, and it has a fascinating history and meaning.
Definitions
Ambulacra are the areas on the underside of echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins, that contain the tube feet that the animals use for movement and feeding. These areas are characterized by a series of small holes, called ambulacral pores, through which the tube feet protrude. In addition to this biological definition, the term ambulacra can also refer to the grooves or channels on the surface of certain rocks or fossils.
Origin
The word “ambulacra” comes from the Latin word “ambulare,” which means “to walk.” This is a fitting origin for a term that describes the areas of an animal’s body that are used for movement. The term was first used in the context of zoology in the 19th century, and it has been an important concept in the study of echinoderms ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ambulacra is consistent across different dictionaries and scientific sources. It is defined as the areas on the underside of echinoderms that contain the tube feet, or the grooves or channels on the surface of certain rocks or fossils.
Associations
Ambulacra are associated with the movement and feeding of echinoderms. The tube feet that are located in these areas are used for locomotion, as well as for capturing food and bringing it to the animal’s mouth. The grooves or channels on the surface of rocks or fossils that are referred to as ambulacra are associated with the movement of fluids or gases through the material.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for the term ambulacra, as it is a specific term that refers to a unique anatomical feature of echinoderms.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for the term ambulacra, as it is a specific term that refers to a unique anatomical feature of echinoderms.
The same root words
The root word “ambulare” is also found in other words in the English language, such as “ambulance” and “ambulatory.” These words are also related to movement and walking, but they refer to different contexts than ambulacra.
Example Sentences
- The ambulacra on the underside of the starfish were covered in tiny tube feet.
- The fossil had well-preserved ambulacra, which allowed researchers to study the movement of fluids through the material.
- The echinoderm’s ambulacral pores were visible under the microscope.
- The geological formation had distinct ambulacral channels that were created by the movement of water over time.