ACALEPHA Meaning and
Definition
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Acalepha is a zoological term referring to a class of marine invertebrates. These creatures belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish, coral, and sea anemones. Acalephas are commonly known as hydrozoans, as they typically reside in water bodies such as oceans and seas.
Acalephas often exhibit a translucent or gelatinous body, composed of a multitude of interconnected cells forming colonies or individual organisms. They possess specialized stinging cells, known as cnidocytes, which are used for both capturing prey and self-defense. These organisms vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from tiny polyp-like structures to larger, more complex forms resembling small jellyfish.
The life cycle of acalephas typically includes two distinct phases: the asexual polyp stage and the sexual medusa stage. During the polyp stage, they attach themselves to a surface, usually a substrate or the seafloor, through a stalk-like structure. It is in this phase that they reproduce asexually by budding, generating numerous genetically identical offspring. The medusa stage follows, during which acalephas take on a bell-like shape and develop tentacles, allowing them to swim freely in the water. The medusa stage is primarily dedicated to sexual reproduction, with males and females releasing gametes into the water to eventually form new polyps.
Despite their delicate appearance, acalephas play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. They form part of the food chain, providing sustenance to numerous organisms, and some species are known to create habitats for other marine life.
Common Misspellings for ACALEPHA
- acalephw
- acalephs
- acaleph
- acalephe
- acalepha
- zcalepha
- scalepha
- wcalepha
- qcalepha
- axalepha
- avalepha
- afalepha
- adalepha
- aczlepha
- acslepha
- acwlepha
- acqlepha
- acakepha
- acapepha
- acaoepha
Etymology of ACALEPHA
The word "acalepha" originated from the Greek word "akalēphe", which means "nettle" or "stinging marine organism". "Akalēphe" is derived from the Greek words "a-" (without) and "-kalyphein" (to cover), indicating an animal without a protective covering or shell. The term was initially used by early naturalists and zoologists to refer to the class of organisms known as Cnidaria, which includes jellyfish, sea anemones, and hydroids. Over time, the term "acalepha" became less commonly used and was replaced by "Cnidaria", which is the more widely recognized and accepted scientific name for this group of organisms.
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