Ascidiacea is a term used in the field of biology to describe a class of marine invertebrates that are commonly known as sea squirts or tunicates. These organisms are found in oceans all over the world and are known for their unique appearance and behavior.
Definitions
Ascidiacea is a class of marine invertebrates that are characterized by their sac-like bodies and the presence of a tough outer covering called a tunic. These organisms are filter feeders and are able to draw in water through a siphon and filter out food particles using a specialized structure called a pharynx.
Origin
The word Ascidiacea is derived from the Greek word “askos,” which means “bag” or “sac.” The term was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a group of marine organisms that were then known as “tunicates.” Over time, the term Ascidiacea became increasingly popular and is now the preferred term for this class of organisms.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In most dictionaries, Ascidiacea is defined as a class of marine invertebrates that are characterized by their sac-like bodies and the presence of a tough outer covering called a tunic. These organisms are filter feeders and are able to draw in water through a siphon and filter out food particles using a specialized structure called a pharynx.
Associations
Ascidiacea is closely related to other classes of marine invertebrates, including the lancelets and the lampreys. These organisms are all part of the larger group known as the chordates, which includes all animals with a notochord (a flexible rod-like structure) at some point in their development.
Synonyms
Some common synonyms for Ascidiacea include tunicates, sea squirts, and ascidians.
Antonyms
As Ascidiacea is a class of organisms, there are no true antonyms. However, some organisms that are not part of the class Ascidiacea include fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
The same root words
The root word “askos,” which means “bag” or “sac,” is also found in other scientific terms, including ascus (a sac-like structure found in fungi) and ascites (an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen).
Example Sentences
- Ascidiacea are filter feeders that are able to draw in water through a siphon and filter out food particles using a specialized structure called a pharynx.
- Tunicates, also known as sea squirts, are a type of Ascidiacea that are commonly found in shallow waters.
- The study of Ascidiacea is an important area of research in marine biology, as these organisms play a key role in the oceanic food chain.