actinopod

noun

Meaning

A protozoan characterized by having stiff, radiating, needle-like cytoplasmic projections used for feeding and locomotion.

Examples

  • The marine biologist identified the specimen as an actinopod due to its distinctive radial symmetry.
  • Many species of actinopod inhabit the upper layers of the ocean, where they drift as part of the plankton.

Synonyms: protozoan, radiolarian, heliozoan