ectoprocta
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Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic class or subphylum of bryozoans: "Ectoprocta" refers to a group of small, aquatic, colonial animals, commonly known as bryozoans or moss animals. They are characterized by having the anus located outside the ring of tentacles (lophophore).
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The marine biologist studied the Ectoprocta found on the submerged rocks.
- Ectoprocta are important filter feeders in many aquatic ecosystems.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific classification: The term is used primarily in zoological and biological contexts to classify these organisms.
- The phylum Bryozoa is sometimes divided into the classes Ectoprocta and Entoprocta.
Variants and Related Words
- Bryozoa (n): The phylum to which Ectoprocta belong; moss animals.
- Bryozoa form colonies that can resemble moss or coral.
- Ectoproct (n): An individual animal belonging to the Ectoprocta.
- Each ectoproct in the colony has its own lophophore.
Synonyms
- Bryozoans: Moss animals.
- Polyzoa: An older, synonymous term for Bryozoa.
Related Phrases
- Colonial ectoproct: Refers to the typical colony-forming nature of these animals.
- The colonial ectoproct provided shelter for many tiny organisms.
Noun
- coextensive with or a subphylum of Bryozoa