COPEPODA Meaning and
Definition
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Copepoda is a subclass of small crustaceans belonging to the larger group of copepods. These organisms are found abundantly in both freshwater and marine environments and play a crucial role in the food chain as primary consumers. The name "copepod" is derived from the Greek words copeus, which means "oar," and poda, which means "foot." This name refers to their distinctive appendages that resemble oars when they swim.
Copepods are typically around 1-2 millimeters in length, but some species can grow up to several centimeters long. They have a streamlined body shape, consisting of a head and a segmented thorax and abdomen. Most copepods possess a single median eye and two pairs of antennae that aid in sensing their surroundings and capturing food particles.
These organisms are known for their rapid reproductive capabilities, with females having the ability to produce hundreds to thousands of eggs during their lifetime. They undergo a series of molts as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing body size. Copepods are known for their adaptive feeding strategies, capturing various types of organic matter including detritus, phytoplankton, and even other zooplankton.
Copepods have significant ecological importance as they act as a vital link in marine and freshwater food webs. They serve as a primary food source for many small fish, larval stages of larger organisms, and can even be parasitic on other animals. Due to their abundance and widespread distribution, copepods have become an essential indicator species for water quality assessments and ecological studies.
Common Misspellings for COPEPODA
- xopepoda
- vopepoda
- fopepoda
- dopepoda
- cipepoda
- ckpepoda
- clpepoda
- cppepoda
- c0pepoda
- c9pepoda
- cooepoda
- colepoda
- co-epoda
- co0epoda
- copwpoda
- copspoda
- copdpoda
- coprpoda
- cop4poda
- bopepoda
Etymology of COPEPODA
The term "copepoda" is derived from the Greek words "kópos" meaning "oar" or "stroke" and "podos" meaning "foot". This is a reference to the characteristic feature of copepods, which are small crustaceans with swimming appendages resembling oars.
Similar spelling words for COPEPODA
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