Anthozoa is a term that is commonly used in the field of marine biology. It refers to a class of marine animals that are commonly known as the sea anemones and corals. These animals are known for their bright colors and unique shapes, which make them a popular subject of study for scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of anthozoa.
Definitions
Anthozoa is a class of marine invertebrates that belong to the phylum Cnidaria. They are characterized by their radial symmetry, tentacles, and a central mouth surrounded by tentacles. They are sessile, meaning that they are attached to a substrate and do not move around like other animals.
Origin
The word anthozoa is derived from the Greek words “anthos,” which means flower, and “zoa,” which means animals. This name was given to these animals because of their flower-like appearance.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anthozoa is defined as “a class of coelenterates comprising the sea anemones and corals.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines anthozoa as “a class of marine invertebrates that includes the sea anemones and corals, characterized by a cylindrical body with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles.”
Associations
Anthozoa are commonly found in shallow and deep waters all over the world. They are important members of marine ecosystems and play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. They are also used in medical research to study the effects of toxins and other substances on living organisms.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for anthozoa include flower animals, actinians, and hexacorals.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for anthozoa.
The same root words
The same root words as anthozoa include “anthropo,” which means human, and “zoology,” which means the study of animals.
Example Sentences
- The anthozoa are a fascinating group of marine animals that are known for their bright colors and unique shapes.
- The coral reefs are home to a diverse range of anthozoa that play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.
- Scientists are studying the effects of toxins on anthozoa in order to better understand how they can be used in medical research.