suborder gorgoniacea
Definition
- Noun (Taxonomic Rank):
- A suborder of colonial cnidarians: A taxonomic classification within the order Alcyonacea, comprising soft corals commonly known as sea fans, sea whips, and precious red coral. These are marine animals characterized by a flexible, horny, or calcareous internal skeleton.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The vibrant sea fan is a classic member of the suborder Gorgoniacea.
- Marine biologists study the suborder Gorgoniacea to understand reef biodiversity.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific literature: The term is used in precise taxonomic and ecological contexts to differentiate these flexible octocorals from other suborders like Alcyoniina (the soft corals without a firm axial skeleton).
- The phylogenetic study focused on several families within the suborder Gorgoniacea.
Variants and Related Words
- Gorgonian (n): A common name for any coral belonging to the suborder Gorgoniacea.
- The diver admired the large gorgonian.
- Gorgonacea: An older, synonymous taxonomic name sometimes encountered for this group.
Synonyms
- Sea fans and sea whips: A descriptive synonym referencing common forms within this suborder.
- Horny corals: A reference to the proteinaceous (gorgonin) skeleton of many species.
Related Terms (Contextual)
- Octocorallia: The subclass to which this suborder belongs, encompassing all corals with eight-fold symmetry.
- Alcyonacea: The order encompassing suborder Gorgoniacea and other soft corals.
- Scleraxonia: A taxonomic group within Gorgoniacea whose members have a skeleton formed from sclerites.
Noun
-
red corals and sea fans
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