How Do You Spell CHEILOSTOMATA?

Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˌe͡ɪləstəmˈɑːtə] (IPA)

Cheilostomata is a term used to represent a group of marine bryozoans. The spelling of the word Cheilostomata is based on Greek origins. The word is derived from two Greek words, "cheilos," which means "lip" and "stoma," which means "mouth." The IPA phonetic transcription for Cheilostomata is /kaɪloʊstoʊmɑːtə/. This scientific term can be challenging to spell and pronounce for non-experts. However, it is an essential term for professionals studying marine life and ecosystems.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

CHEILOSTOMATA Meaning and Definition

  1. Cheilostomata is a term used in zoology to refer to a diverse order of marine bryozoans, which are small colonial invertebrates commonly found in oceans around the world. This taxonomic order is characterized by having a specific arrangement of tentacles called a lophophore, which they use to capture food particles from the water. The term "cheilostomata" is derived from the Greek words "cheilos," meaning lip, and "stoma," meaning mouth, emphasizing this characteristic.

    Bryozoans belonging to the order Cheilostomata are colonial organisms, meaning they live in large interconnected colonies made up of numerous individual animals called zooids. Each zooid is encased in a tiny calcareous exoskeleton, which gives them a box-like appearance. These colonies can range in size from a few millimeters to several meters in diameter, depending on the species.

    Cheilostomata bryozoans are an ecologically significant group, serving as important filter feeders in marine ecosystems. They actively pump water through their lophophores, filtering out microscopic organic particles and plankton for food. They play a vital role in nutrient cycling and food chain dynamics by transforming dissolved organic matter into biomass that can be consumed by other marine organisms.

    Due to their ability to colonize various substrates, cheilostomata bryozoans can be found in a wide range of marine habitats, from shallow intertidal zones to deep-sea environments. They exhibit a high diversity of morphological forms, ranging from delicate branching colonies to robust encrusting mats. These variations in colony morphology and species composition contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological complexity of marine ecosystems.

Etymology of CHEILOSTOMATA

The word "Cheilostomata" is derived from the Greek words "cheilos" meaning "lip" and "stoma" meaning "mouth". In zoological terms, "Cheilostomata" refers to a subclass of bryozoans, small colonial marine invertebrates. The name likely originated from the shape of the opening through which the feeding apparatus of these organisms protrude, resembling lips or a mouth.