Branchiate: meaning, definitions and examples
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branchiate
[ ˈbræŋkiˌeɪt ]
zoology anatomy
Branchiate refers to organisms having external or internal gills or gill-like structures. This term is predominantly used in the study of aquatic animals, particularly invertebrates and some vertebrates like amphibians. These gills are crucial for the respiration of the organism in water.
Synonyms
bristle-like, gilled
Examples of usage
- The branchiate nature of the tadpole allows it to extract oxygen from water.
- Several branchiate species are found in freshwater environments.
- Aquatic larvae are often branchiate, facilitating their life underwater.
Word origin
The term 'branchiate' derives from the Latin word 'branchia', meaning 'gill', and the suffix '-ate', which is used to form adjectives. It has been used in zoological contexts since the early 19th century when scientists began classifying aquatic animals based on their anatomical features. The concept relates closely to the evolutionary biology of species that developed gill-like structures for respiration in water. Over time, the term has been integrated into various fields of biological study, emphasizing the significance of gills in development and survival.