How Do You Spell DEUTEROSTOME?

Pronunciation: [djˈuːtəɹˌɒstə͡ʊm] (IPA)

Deuterostome is a term used in biology that describes a group of animals in which the anus develops before the mouth. The spelling of this word is based on the Greek roots "deutero," which means second, and "stoma," which means mouth. The word is pronounced as /djuːtərəstoʊm/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This term is used to classify several major animal phyla, including the echinoderms, hemichordates, and chordates. Understanding this term and its spelling is essential for students and professionals in the field of biology.

DEUTEROSTOME Meaning and Definition

  1. Deuterostome is a scientific term used in the field of biology to describe a specific group of animals that follows a particular pattern of embryonic development. It refers to a major branch of the animal kingdom, comprising organisms such as chordates, echinoderms, and a few other related species.

    The term "deuterostome" is derived from the Greek words "deutero," meaning second, and "stoma," meaning mouth. This name is given because deuterostomes exhibit a unique trait during their embryonic development where the blastopore, which is the first opening that forms in the embryo, eventually develops into the organism's anus. The mouth, on the other hand, is formed at a later stage from a second opening, usually called the secondary opening.

    Furthermore, deuterostomes typically possess bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies can be divided into two mirror-image halves. They also possess a true coelom, which refers to a fluid-filled body cavity completely lined by mesoderm.

    In terms of evolutionary significance, deuterostomes are considered to be highly diverse and successful, with representatives inhabiting various ecosystems on Earth. They include organisms such as humans, mammals, fish, birds, and many other vertebrates. With their complex body plans and advanced organ systems, deuterostomes have played a significant role in shaping the animal kingdom and its ecological dynamics.

Etymology of DEUTEROSTOME

The word "deuterostome" is derived from the Greek words "deuteros" meaning "second" and "stoma" meaning "mouth". The term was coined to describe a specific embryonic development pattern found in certain animal groups, where the second embryonic opening that forms during gastrulation becomes the mouth in the adult organism. Deuterostomes include diverse organisms such as echinoderms (e.g., starfish), chordates (e.g., vertebrates), and some other lesser-known marine animals.