Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic order of crustaceans: "Order Amphipoda" is the scientific name for an order of small, malacostracan crustaceans. They are characterized by a laterally compressed body, no carapace, and typically having different types of legs (hence "amphipoda," meaning "different feet"). This order includes semiterrestrial, marine, and freshwater species such as sand-hoppers, whale lice, and skeleton shrimp.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist classified the specimen within the order Amphipoda.
  • Beach wrack is often teeming with members of the order Amphipoda, like sand-hoppers.

Advanced Usage

• In ecological studies: The term is used to discuss the role of these organisms in food webs, often as detritivores or scavengers.
  • The health of the shoreline ecosystem can be indicated by the diversity of the order Amphipoda present.

Variants and Related Words

• Amphipod (n): A common name for any individual crustacean belonging to the order Amphipoda.
  • We found an amphipod under the seaweed.
• Amphipodan (adj): Relating to or characteristic of the order Amphipoda.
  • The amphipodan body plan is highly adapted for their niche.

Synonyms

• Amphipods: The informal, plural common name for organisms in this order.
• Side-swimmers: A descriptive common name for some amphipods, referring to their swimming motion.

Related Phrases / Terms

• Gammaridean amphipod: Refers to a large and common suborder (Gammaridea) within the Amphipoda.
  • Most freshwater shrimp-like crustaceans are gammaridean amphipods.
• Caprellid amphipod: Refers to amphipods in the suborder Caprellidea, commonly known as skeleton shrimp.
  • The caprellid amphipod clung to the hydroid with its specialized rear legs.

Noun

1. small flat-bodied semiterrestrial crustaceans: whale lice; sand-hoppers; skeleton shrimp