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Glite Dictionary
Volvocaceae

Volvocaceae

9.9
A group of small green algae in ponds that form round swimming colonies
  • noun
  • /vɑːlˈvoʊkəˌsiː/
  • Specialized
: Volvocaceae
  • The Volvocaceae are known for their spherical colonies that swim using coordinated flagella.

Examples

  • Research on Volvocaceae has advanced our understanding of multicellularity in algae.

  • The Volvocaceae family includes various species of green algae.

  • Many freshwater ponds contain species belonging to the Volvocaceae family.

  • Many researchers study Volvocaceae to understand their role in freshwater ecosystems.

  • Many freshwater ponds contain species belonging to the Volvocaceae family.

  • The Volvocaceae are known for their spherical colonies that swim using coordinated flagella.

  • Many researchers study Volvocaceae to understand their role in freshwater ecosystems.

Surface Forms

Volvocaceae singular
Volvocaceae plural

Morphology

Volvocaceae = Volvox (opaque) = Volvox + aceae

A specialized taxonomic formation (Volvox + -aceae) using a Latin/Greek botanical suffix that is unlikely to be interpretable by average learners.

Etymology

The word Volvocaceae comes from the algae name Volvox, which comes from a Latin root meaning 'to roll', so think of revolve, because these algae make round colonies that seem to roll in the water. The ending -aceae marks a plant or algae 'family', so Volvocaceae is the family of those rolling green algae.