opisthobranchia (Meaning)
opisthobranchia (n)
gastropods having the gills when present posterior to the heart and having no operculum: includes sea slugs; sea butterflies; sea hares
opisthobranchia (n. pl.)
Alt. of Opisthobranchiata
Synonyms & Antonyms of opisthobranchia
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
opisthobranchia Sentence Examples
- Opisthobranchia is a taxonomic order of marine gastropod mollusks known for their diverse and often elaborate dorsal appendages.
- The opisthobranchian's unusual name refers to the position of their gills, located behind the heart, unlike most other gastropods.
- Opisthobranchia includes the colorful and venomous sea slugs, as well as the more secretive sea butterflies and bubble snails.
- Some opisthobranchia, like the nudibranchs, have lost their protective shells, relying on their bright coloration and toxic secretions for defense.
- Opisthobranchia are found in all oceans, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea.
- The Opisthobranchia are characterized by their lack of an operculum, a plate that seals the shell opening in many other gastropods.
- Opisthobranchia possess specialized feeding apparatuses, such as the piercing proboscis in nudibranchs or the raptorial radula in sea hares.
- Certain species of Opisthobranchia have evolved kleptopredatory behaviors, stealing food from other organisms without causing direct harm.
- The study of Opisthobranchia is known as opisthobranchology, a specialized field within malacology.
- Opisthobranchia are considered important indicators of marine ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
FAQs About the word opisthobranchia
gastropods having the gills when present posterior to the heart and having no operculum: includes sea slugs; sea butterflies; sea haresAlt. of Opisthobranchiata
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Opisthobranchia is a taxonomic order of marine gastropod mollusks known for their diverse and often elaborate dorsal appendages.
The opisthobranchian's unusual name refers to the position of their gills, located behind the heart, unlike most other gastropods.
Opisthobranchia includes the colorful and venomous sea slugs, as well as the more secretive sea butterflies and bubble snails.
Some opisthobranchia, like the nudibranchs, have lost their protective shells, relying on their bright coloration and toxic secretions for defense.
