How Do You Spell ATELOSTOMATA?

Pronunciation: [ˌe͡ɪtləstəmˈɑːtə] (IPA)

Atelostomata is a term used in zoology that refers to a suborder of polychaetes, a type of marine segmented worm. The word contains several challenging phonemes which can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The initial syllable "a-tel-o" is pronounced /əˈtɛləʊ/ with a schwa vowel sound followed by a clear "t" and "l". The second syllable "sto" is pronounced /stoʊ/ with a long "o". The final syllable "mata" is pronounced /ˈmɑːtə/ with a long "a" followed by a "t" and a schwa.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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ATELOSTOMATA Meaning and Definition

  1. Atelostomata refers to a taxonomic group within the class Echinoidea, which comprises sea urchins commonly known as "sand dollars." The term is derived from the Greek words "atelo" meaning "incomplete" and "stoma" meaning "mouth," indicating a characteristic feature of this group.

    Members of the Atelostomata possess a flattened, disk-shaped body with a distinct five-pointed symmetry, much like other sea urchins. However, what sets them apart is the lack of a fully developed mouth that is generally observed in other echinoid species. Instead, Atelostomata have evolved a specialized feeding structure known as a "lantern" or "Aristotle's lantern." This modified jaw apparatus allows them to scrape and rasp algal matter or other organic material off rocky surfaces or sandy substrates, which constitutes their primary diet.

    Furthermore, Atelostomata have a distinct internal structure featuring delicate, irregularly arranged calcareous ossicles. These ossicles form a framework that supports the sand dollar's body and provides rigidity and protection. The group typically exhibits a secondary bilateral symmetry and a characteristic radial pattern in their fine external skeletal plates, which vary in shape and size.

    Due to their unique morphology and feeding adaptations, Atelostomata play an important ecological role as filter feeders and benthic grazers, influencing the dynamics of marine ecosystems. They are widely distributed in temperate and tropical oceans, inhabiting shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries.

Common Misspellings for ATELOSTOMATA

  • atelostoma
  • Ateleostomata
  • Acelistomata
  • Atellostomata
  • Atelosomata
  • Atelostomataa
  • Atelistomata
  • Atelosstomata

Etymology of ATELOSTOMATA

The word "Atelostomata" is derived from two Greek terms: "atelos" (ἄτελος) and "stoma" (στόμα).

- "Atelos" (ἄτελος) means "imperfect" or "incomplete" in Greek.

- "Stoma" (στόμα) means "mouth" in Greek.

When combined, "Atelostomata" refers to a biological class of marine animals, specifically bryozoans, that have an incomplete or imperfect mouth structure. This term was coined by the German zoologist Hinrich Nitsche in 1871 to classify a group of bryozoans that exhibit this particular characteristic.