anthozoa
/,ænθə'zouə/
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Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic class of marine invertebrates: "Anthozoa" refers to a large class of sedentary marine coelenterates (cnidarians) that includes organisms such as sea anemones and corals. In their life cycle, the medusoid (free-swimming jellyfish-like) phase is entirely absent or suppressed.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Corals and sea anemones belong to the class Anthozoa.
- The study focused on the reproductive biology of various Anthozoa.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in biological and marine science contexts to classify a specific group of cnidarians.
- The phylogeny of the Anthozoa is a key area of research in understanding coral reef ecosystems.
Variants and Related Words
- Anthozoan (n): An individual member of the class Anthozoa.
- The diver observed a colorful anthozoan attached to the reef.
- Anthozoic (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the Anthozoa.
- The anthozoic polyps form the foundation of the reef structure.
Synonyms
- Corals and Anemones (common name grouping): This is a descriptive synonym referring to the most well-known members of the class.
- Hexacorallia / Octocorallia: These are subclasses within Anthozoa (for hard corals and soft corals/sea fans, respectively), used in more precise taxonomic discussion.
Related Phrases / Terms
- Sessile polyp: Describes the attached, cylindrical body form characteristic of anthozoans.
- The anthozoan exists solely as a sessile polyp.
- Cnidarian: The larger phylum to which Anthozoa belongs.
- Anthozoa is a class within the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish and hydras.
Noun
- a large class of sedentary marine coelenterates that includes sea anemones and corals; the medusoid phase is entirely suppressed