copepoda
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A subclass of small crustaceans: Copepoda refers to a large and diverse group of tiny crustaceans found in nearly all aquatic habitats, including both saltwater and freshwater. They are a critical part of the plankton, serving as a primary food source for many fish and other marine animals. Some species are also parasitic.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Copepoda are among the most abundant multicellular animals on Earth.
- The scientist studied a sample of water teeming with Copepoda under the microscope.
- Some fish larvae feed almost exclusively on Copepoda.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific classification: The term is used in taxonomic contexts to denote the subclass within the class Maxillopoda.
- The subclass Copepoda contains over 13,000 described species.
Variants and Related Words
- Copepod (n): The common name for an individual organism belonging to the Copepoda.
- A single copepod is barely visible to the naked eye.
Synonyms
- Planktonic crustaceans (descriptive synonym)
- Water fleas (informal, though this can also refer to other small crustaceans like Daphnia)
Related Phrases
- Parasitic copepod: A copepod that lives as a parasite on other aquatic organisms, such as fish.
- The health of the salmon was affected by a parasitic copepod.
Noun
- minute planktonic or parasitic crustaceans