Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of echinoderms: "Family Antedonidae" refers to a specific biological family within the class Crinoidea, commonly known as feather stars. These are marine animals characterized by a cup-shaped body, multiple feathery arms used for feeding, and a stemless, free-swimming or crawling adult form.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The researcher identified the specimen as belonging to the family Antedonidae.
  • Feather stars of the family Antedonidae are often found in coral reef ecosystems.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is used in scientific literature to group and discuss species with shared morphological and genetic characteristics.
  • The phylogenetic study confirmed the placement of these species within the family Antedonidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Antedonidae (n): The standard form, often used without "family" in technical contexts.
  • Antedonidae is the largest family of comatulid crinoids.
• Feather star (n): The common name for members of this family and related crinoids.
• Comatulid (n/adj): Refers to the order (Comatulida) to which this family belongs, describing unstalked crinoids.

Synonyms

• Feather stars (common name).
• Comatulid crinoids (broader taxonomic group).

Related Terms

• Crinoid (n): The broader class of marine animals that includes both sea lilies (stalked) and feather stars (unstalked).
• Echinoderm (n): The phylum that includes crinoids, sea stars, and sea urchins.

Noun

1. feather stars