Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of echinoderms: "Class Ophiuroidea" is the scientific classification for a group of marine invertebrates commonly known as brittle stars and basket stars. They are characterized by a distinct central disc and long, slender, flexible arms that are sharply set off from the disc.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Class Ophiuroidea is one of the largest classes within the phylum Echinodermata.
  • Researchers are studying the biodiversity of the Class Ophiuroidea in the deep sea.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: Used in formal biological and zoological contexts to specify this particular class.
  • The specimen was definitively placed within the Class Ophiuroidea based on its skeletal structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Ophiuroid (n): An individual organism belonging to the Class Ophiuroidea.
  • The ophiuroid swiftly moved its arms to crawl across the ocean floor.
• Ophiuroidea: Often used interchangeably with "Class Ophiuroidea" as the formal name of the taxon.

Synonyms

• Brittle stars: The common name for most members of this class.
• Basket stars: The common name for a subgroup (order Euryalida) within the class, known for their branched arms.

Related Phrases

• Ophiuroid morphology: Refers to the study of the form and structure of brittle stars and basket stars.
• Ophiuroid ecology: Refers to the study of how these organisms interact with their environment.

Noun

1. brittle stars and basket stars