Appendicularia is a small group of marine animals that belong to the Tunicata phylum. These animals are also known as larvaceans or sea squirts. Appendicularia is a unique group of animals that have a fascinating life cycle and play an essential role in the marine ecosystem.
Definitions
Appendicularia is a small group of marine animals that belong to the Tunicata phylum. These animals are planktonic, meaning that they float in the water column, and have a unique life cycle. They are filter feeders and use their tails to create a water current that brings in food particles.
Origin
The name Appendicularia comes from the Latin word “appendix,” which means “something attached.” The name refers to the tail-like appendage that these animals use to create a water current. Appendicularia was first described by the French naturalist Georges Cuvier in 1817.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of Appendicularia in different dictionaries is consistent with the definition given above. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Appendicularia as “a small group of marine animals that are filter feeders and have a tail-like appendage that creates a water current.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines Appendicularia as “a group of planktonic marine animals that belong to the Tunicata phylum.”
Associations
Appendicularia is associated with the Tunicata phylum, which includes other animals such as sea squirts and salps. These animals are all filter feeders and play an essential role in the marine ecosystem by removing small particles from the water column.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of Appendicularia include sea squirts, larvaceans, and tunicates.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of Appendicularia.
The same root words
There are no other words that share the same root as Appendicularia.
Example Sentences
- Appendicularia are filter feeders that use their tails to create a water current.
- The larvacean is a type of Appendicularia that creates a mucus house to filter feed.
- Salps and sea squirts are also members of the Tunicata phylum, along with Appendicularia.