The word "ophiuroidea" refers to a group of sea creatures commonly known as brittle stars and basket stars. They belong to the class of animals called echinoderms, which also includes starfish and sea urchins.
Explanation:
Ophiuroidea (noun): This term is used in biology to classify a specific group of marine animals that have long, thin arms and a central disk. They are known for their ability to move quickly and for their brittle arms, which can break off as a defense mechanism.
Usage Instructions:
When to use it: You can use "ophiuroidea" when discussing marine biology or when talking about specific types of sea life.
How to use it in a sentence: "Ophiuroidea, such as brittle stars, can often be found hiding under rocks on the ocean floor."
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might find "ophiuroidea" being used in scientific research or environmental studies. For example: - "The ophiuroidea population in this region has been affected by climate change, leading to a decline in their numbers."
Word Variants:
Different Meanings:
While "ophiuroidea" specifically refers to brittle stars and basket stars, it does not have alternative meanings in common usage since it is a scientific term.
Synonyms:
Brittle stars: A common name for members of the Ophiuroidea class.
Basket stars: Another common name, especially for those with more branched arms.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "ophiuroidea" because it is a technical term used mainly in scientific contexts.
Summary: