Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Appendicularia

Appendicularia

9.9
Small transparent animals that swim freely in the sea and look like tadpoles
  • noun
  • /ˌæpənˌdɪkjʊˈlɛriə/
  • Specialized
: Appendicularia
  • The genus Appendicularia is notable for its members' transparent, tadpole-like appearance.

Examples

  • Scientists have discovered new species within the Appendicularia genus along the Pacific coast.

  • Members of Appendicularia play a significant role in oceanic food webs.

  • The Appendicularia are fascinating creatures found in the ocean.

  • Many marine biologists study Appendicularia to understand their role in the ecosystem.

  • The genus Appendicularia consists of small, free-swimming animals that are vital in marine ecosystems.

  • Research on Appendicularia has revealed their unique feeding mechanisms and ecological importance.

  • Marine scientists often refer to Appendicularia when discussing larval forms in the Chordata phylum.

Surface Forms

Appendicularia singular
Appendicularias plural

Morphology

Appendicularia = appendicular (opaque) = appendicular + ia

The formation from the adjective 'appendicular' to a Latinized taxonomic name using '-ia' is formally regular, but familiarity with such formations is specialized.

Etymology

Appendicularia comes from the Latin part appendic-, meaning 'a small attachment', seen in the English words appendix and appendage, and the ending -aria meaning 'connected with'. So, Appendicularia names a group of small sea animals that have little tail-like parts or attachments, which explains the name.