STYLOMMATOPHORA Meaning and
Definition
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Stylommatophora is a taxonomic order within the class Gastropoda, which encompasses a diverse group of terrestrial gastropods commonly known as land snails and slugs. The name Stylommatophora is derived from several Greek words, with "stylos" meaning column, "omma" meaning eye, and "phoros" meaning bearer, referring to the characteristic positioning of the eyes on the tips of flexible stalks.
Land snails and slugs belonging to the order Stylommatophora are widely distributed across the globe, inhabiting a variety of terrestrial and semi-aquatic environments. They are characterized by their muscular foot used for locomotion, a mantle that secretes the protective shell (if present), and a distinct sensory organ known as the pneumostome, which allows for breathing.
One of the defining traits of Stylommatophora species is the absence of an operculum, a protective cover found in many other snail species. Additionally, they are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, although most species require reciprocal mating. Stylommatophora exhibit a range of reproductive strategies, including egg-laying, direct development, or viviparity.
These biologically diverse snails and slugs play important ecological roles as decomposers, nutrient recyclers, and prey for various predator species. They also have significant economic and scientific value, serving as model organisms for studying evolutionary processes, ecology, and population genetics. However, some Stylommatophora species can become agricultural pests, disrupting crops and gardens, and causing damage to agricultural production.
Common Misspellings for STYLOMMATOPHORA
- atylommatophora
- ztylommatophora
- xtylommatophora
- dtylommatophora
- etylommatophora
- wtylommatophora
- srylommatophora
- sfylommatophora
- sgylommatophora
- syylommatophora
- s6ylommatophora
- s5ylommatophora
- sttlommatophora
- stglommatophora
- sthlommatophora
- stulommatophora
- st7lommatophora
- st6lommatophora
- stykommatophora
- stypommatophora
Etymology of STYLOMMATOPHORA
The word "Stylommatophora" has its origin in Greek. It combines two Greek roots: "stylus" (στῦλος), meaning "pillar" or "column", and "omma" (ὄμμα), meaning "eye". The suffix "-phora" (-φορα) means "bearer" or "carrier".
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