ACEPHALOTHORUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Acephalothorus is a term used in biology and zoology to refer to a genus of small parasitic nematodes belonging to the family Acrobelidae. These nematodes are typically found in terrestrial habitats, such as soil and plant tissues. The name "acephalothorus" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning without, "cephalo-" referring to the head, and "thorus" meaning thorn or spike, which reflects their peculiar anatomical characteristics.
Members of the Acephalothorus genus are characterized by their unique morphology, particularly the absence of a distinct head or cephalic region. Instead, these nematodes possess a retractable stylet, a hollow, needle-like structure used for piercing and sucking fluids from their host plants. The use of the stylet is facilitated by a set of muscles present in the body, providing the nematode with precision and control during feeding.
Acephalothorus nematodes are considered endoparasites, meaning they live and feed inside their host organism. They primarily infect plants, including agricultural crops, where they can cause damage by disrupting the normal functioning of plant tissues and cells. Infestations by Acephalothorus species can lead to stunted growth, wilting, chlorosis, and a decline in overall plant health. Consequently, these nematodes are of significance to agricultural practices, as they can be detrimental to crop productivity.
Understanding the biology and ecology of acephalothorus nematodes is crucial for managing and controlling their impact on plant health. Research efforts focus on studying their life cycle, host range, reproductive strategies, and interactions with the plant host to develop effective control measures and minimize their detrimental effects.
-
A monster without head or thorax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACEPHALOTHORUS
- zcephalothorus
- scephalothorus
- wcephalothorus
- qcephalothorus
- axephalothorus
- avephalothorus
- afephalothorus
- adephalothorus
- acwphalothorus
- acsphalothorus
- acdphalothorus
- acrphalothorus
- ac4phalothorus
- ac3phalothorus
- aceohalothorus
- acelhalothorus
- ace-halothorus
- ace0halothorus
- acepgalothorus
- acepbalothorus
Etymology of ACEPHALOTHORUS
The word "acephalothorus" is a combination of two Greek roots: "acephalo" meaning "without head" and "thorax" meaning "chest" or "upper body". In zoology, specifically in the classification of insects, "acephalothorus" refers to a genus of gall midges belonging to the family Cecidomyiidae. The name likely originates from the fact that these insects have a distinct lack of a visible head, combining the Greek roots to describe this characteristic.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
