SUBCLASS OPHIURIDA Meaning and
Definition
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Subclass Ophiurida refers to a taxonomic classification within the phylum Echinodermata, which includes brittle stars commonly known as serpent stars or ophiuroids. The Ophiurida subclass is one of five subclasses within the class Ophiuroidea, which also contains the subclasses Myophiuroidea, Euryalida, Oegophiurida, and Asteroidea.
Members of the Subclass Ophiurida are characterized by their distinct body plan, which consists of a central disk from which long, slender and flexible arms radiate. These arms are unique to ophiuroids and can regenerate if damaged or lost. The subclass includes a wide range of species that inhabit various marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep ocean floor.
Ophiurids have a calcite skeleton made up of small plates, or ossicles, which provides support and protection. They possess a well-developed water vascular system, an intricate network of fluid-filled canals used for movement, respiration, and feeding. Unlike their close relatives, the sea stars, ophiuroids lack a true anus.
These creatures are mostly scavengers, although some species are filter feeders or predators. They have tube feet on their undersides, which assist in locomotion and feeding. Some species also possess specialized arm spines or pincer-like structures for capturing prey or deterring predators.
The Subclass Ophiurida includes a diverse array of species, with varying sizes, colors, and arm arrangements. They play important ecological roles as both predators and prey within their respective marine ecosystems. Ophiurids are widely distributed across the world's oceans and have adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions, making them a significant component of marine biodiversity.
Common Misspellings for SUBCLASS OPHIURIDA
- aubclass ophiurida
- zubclass ophiurida
- xubclass ophiurida
- dubclass ophiurida
- eubclass ophiurida
- wubclass ophiurida
- sybclass ophiurida
- shbclass ophiurida
- sjbclass ophiurida
- sibclass ophiurida
- s8bclass ophiurida
- s7bclass ophiurida
- suvclass ophiurida
- sunclass ophiurida
- suhclass ophiurida
- sugclass ophiurida
- subxlass ophiurida
- subvlass ophiurida
- subflass ophiurida
Etymology of SUBCLASS OPHIURIDA
The term "Subclass Ophiurida" is derived from the combination of two components: "subclass" and "Ophiurida".- Subclass: The word "subclass" is derived from the Latin prefix "sub", meaning "below" or "under", and the word "classis", meaning "class" or "group". Subclass is a taxonomic rank below class and above order, used to categorize organisms based on their similar characteristics and evolutionary relationships.- Ophiurida: The term "Ophiurida" refers to a group of echinoderms known as brittle stars, which belong to the class Ophiuroidea. The word "Ophiurida" is derived from the Greek word "Ophio-" meaning "snake" or "serpent", and "-urida" referring to the rank or category. This name is inspired by the long, snake-like arms of brittle stars.
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