Annelides are a type of invertebrate animal that belongs to the phylum Annelida. They are found in a variety of habitats, including marine environments, freshwater ecosystems, and even on land. Annelides are known for their segmented bodies, which are divided into distinct sections known as somites. These animals play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as food for many other organisms and contributing to nutrient cycling.
Definitions
Annelides are defined as a phylum of invertebrate animals that are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are divided into distinct sections known as somites. They are also known as segmented worms or ringed worms. Annelides are found in a variety of habitats, including marine environments, freshwater ecosystems, and even on land.
Origin
The word “annelid” comes from the Latin word “annellus,” which means “little ring.” The phylum Annelida was first described by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier in 1817. Since then, many different species of annelids have been discovered and described.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, annelids are defined as “any of a phylum (Annelida) of bilaterally symmetrical, usually elongated, segmented worms that include earthworms, leeches, and various marine forms.”
In the Oxford English Dictionary, annelids are defined as “a phylum of invertebrate animals comprising the segmented worms, including earthworms, marine worms, and leeches.”
Associations
Annelides are associated with a variety of different habitats, including marine environments, freshwater ecosystems, and even on land. They are also associated with nutrient cycling, as they play an important role in breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil or water.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for annelids include segmented worms, ringed worms, and earthworms.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for annelids, as they are a specific type of animal within the phylum Annelida.
The same root words
The root word for annelids is “annellus,” which means “little ring” in Latin. This same root word is also found in the words “annular” and “annulate,” which both refer to something that is ring-shaped.
Example Sentences
- Annelids are important for nutrient cycling in many ecosystems.
- Earthworms are a type of annelid that are commonly found in soil.
- Some species of annelids, such as leeches, are used in medicine for their anticoagulant properties.
- The segmented body of annelids allows for greater flexibility and mobility.