The ambulacral system is a term used in biology to describe a network of fluid-filled tubes and canals that are found in many marine organisms. This system is responsible for a variety of functions, including movement, feeding, and respiration. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the ambulacral system, as well as its origins, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The ambulacral system is defined as a network of fluid-filled tubes and canals that are used for movement, feeding, and respiration in many marine organisms. This system is typically found in echinoderms, such as starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, as well as in some other invertebrates, such as certain types of worms.
Origin
The ambulacral system has its origins in the early evolution of echinoderms, which are thought to have appeared in the fossil record around 540 million years ago. Over time, this system has evolved to become more complex and specialized, allowing echinoderms to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions and ecological niches.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of the ambulacral system can vary slightly depending on the dictionary consulted. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the system of tubes and canals that runs through the body of echinoderms, through which water circulates for respiration and movement.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a system of fluid-filled tubes in echinoderms that functions in locomotion, respiration, and feeding.”
Associations
The ambulacral system is associated with a variety of functions in marine organisms, including movement, feeding, and respiration. This system is also closely linked to the water vascular system, which is another network of fluid-filled tubes and canals that is found in echinoderms and is used for a variety of purposes, including gas exchange, excretion, and sensory perception.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the ambulacral system, including the water vascular system, the hydraulic system, and the tube feet system. These terms all refer to the same network of fluid-filled tubes and canals that is found in echinoderms and other marine organisms.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of the ambulacral system, as it is a unique and specialized feature of certain marine organisms. However, some antonyms that might be used in a broader sense could include terrestrial or freshwater systems, which do not rely on fluid-filled tubes and canals for movement, feeding, and respiration.
The same root words
The root words of the ambulacral system are “ambulacrum” and “lacrima,” which are Latin words meaning “path” or “track” and “tear” or “drop,” respectively. These words are thought to refer to the fluid-filled tubes and canals that are found in echinoderms and other marine organisms, which resemble tracks or paths and are filled with watery fluid.
Example Sentences
- The ambulacral system is a complex network of fluid-filled tubes and canals that is found in many marine organisms.
- Echinoderms use their ambulacral system for a variety of functions, including movement, feeding, and respiration.
- The water vascular system and the ambulacral system are closely linked, and both are essential for the survival of echinoderms.
- The ambulacral system is a unique and specialized feature of certain marine organisms, and is not found in terrestrial or freshwater systems.
- The ambulacral system has its origins in the early evolution of echinoderms, and has evolved over time to become more complex and specialized.