appendicularia

noun

Pronunciation: əˌpɛndɪkjʊˈlɛəriə

Definition

A group of free-swimming, tadpole-like marine tunicates that retain their tail and notochord throughout their adult life.

Examples

• Marine biologists often study Appendicularia to understand how they contribute to the ocean's carbon cycle.

• The delicate mucus house of an Appendicularia can be several times larger than the animal itself.

• Despite their simple appearance, Appendicularia are complex organisms that play a vital role in marine food webs.

Synonyms of appendicularia

Words with a similar meaning to appendicularia:

• larvacean
• tunicate

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