Definition

Noun: 1. A former taxonomic genus name for a group of crinoids: "Genus Comatula" is a historical scientific name in zoological classification. It was formerly used to group certain species of crinoids, which are marine animals related to starfish and sea urchins, commonly known as "feather stars." This genus name is now considered synonymous with the genus Antedon.

Usage Notes

• The term "genus Comatula" is primarily used in historical scientific literature or when discussing the taxonomic history of crinoids. In modern taxonomy, the accepted genus name is .
• It is a proper noun in a scientific context and is often italicized in writing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Early 19th-century texts often classified these feather stars under the genus Comatula.
  • The species was first described as a member of genus Comatula before being reclassified into Antedon.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic synonymy: The phrase is used to indicate a historical name that is no longer valid.
  • "Comatula" is listed as a synonym for Antedon in the taxonomic database.

Variants and Related Words

• Comatula (noun): Can refer informally to the type of crinoid itself, especially in older texts.
  • The comatula extended its feathery arms to feed.
• Comatulid (noun): A member of the order Comatulida, to which these crinoids belong. This is a modern, accepted term for the group.
  • Comatulid crinoids are free-swimming as adults.

Synonyms

• Antedon (noun): The currently accepted genus name.
• Feather star (noun): The common name for these animals.

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Crinoid (noun): The broader class of marine animals (Crinoidea) to which these belong.
• Synonym (noun): In taxonomy, an alternative scientific name for the same taxonomic group.

Noun

1. former usage synonymous with Antedon