Ophiurida
Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic order of echinoderms: "Ophiurida" is the scientific name for an order of marine animals commonly known as brittle stars or serpent stars. They are characterized by a distinct central disc and long, slender, flexible arms that they use for locomotion.
Usage
- The term "Ophiurida" is used almost exclusively in formal, scientific contexts such as zoology, marine biology, and taxonomy.
- It refers to the entire taxonomic group, not an individual animal. An individual is a "brittle star" or an "ophiuroid."
Examples
- Noun:
- The class Ophiuroidea is divided into two main orders: Ophiurida and Euryalida.
- Fossil evidence suggests that Ophiurida have existed since the early Ordovician period.
- Researchers are studying the biodiversity of Ophiurida in the deep-sea ecosystem.
Advanced Usage
- In phylogenetic studies: The classification within Ophiurida is subject to revision as genetic analysis provides new insights into the relationships between different families and genera.
- In paleontology: The term is used when describing and classifying fossilized brittle stars.
Variants and Related Words
- Ophiuroidea (n): The class to which the order Ophiurida belongs. It encompasses all brittle stars and basket stars.
- Ophiuroid (n/adj): (Noun) A member of the class Ophiuroidea; a brittle star. (Adjective) Relating to brittle stars.
- The ophiuroid fauna of the reef is diverse.
- Brittle star (n): The common name for animals in the order Ophiurida.
- Serpent star (n): Another common name, often used for species with particularly long, snake-like arms.
Synonyms
- Brittle stars (common name)
- Serpent stars (common name)
Notes on Meaning
- The term "Ophiurida" has a single, precise scientific meaning. It does not have different everyday meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs.
- It is important to distinguish "Ophiurida" (an order) from "Ophiuroidea" (a class). All Ophiurida are Ophiuroidea, but not all Ophiuroidea (e.g., basket stars in the order Euryalida) are Ophiurida.
Noun
-
brittle stars
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