Echinoderm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Biology

• Echinoderms have a unique water vascular system, allowing them to move and grasp objects using tube feet.
• They are known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, such as legs or arms, making them quite fascinating in studies of regeneration.
• This group includes creatures like sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars, each adapted to different habitats in the ocean.

Environmental Adaptations

• Many echinoderms play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to keep coral reefs healthy by grazing on algae.
• Some species can thrive in extreme environments, like deep-sea trenches, showcasing their adaptability.

Cultural Significance

• In some cultures, echinoderms are considered delicacies, like the sea cucumber, which is prized in Asian cuisines.
• Art and design often draw inspiration from the unique shapes and colors of these animals, influencing everything from jewelry to home décor.

Fossil Record

• Fossil evidence suggests that echinoderms have been around for over 500 million years and were among the first animals to appear on Earth.
• Their hard exoskeletons contribute significantly to the fossil record, helping scientists understand past marine environments.

Main points about word origin

• The word originates from the Greek words 'echinos' meaning 'hedgehog' and 'derma' meaning 'skin', referring to their spiny appearance.
• The term was first used in scientific literature in the 19th century to classify this unique group of marine animals.

The term 'echinoderm' comes from the Greek words ‘echinos’, meaning 'spiny', and ‘derma’, meaning 'skin'. First used in scientific literature in the mid-19th century, it reflects the unique features of these animals, particularly their spiny exterior. Echinoderms represent one of the major phyla of the animal kingdom and are known to date back to the Cambrian period, making them one of the oldest groups of animals in existence today. Their evolutionary lineage is significant in understanding the development of vertebrates, as they share a common ancestry. Over time, the classification and study of echinoderms have developed, leading to the recognition of their ecological importance in marine environments.

Ranking #35,363, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 35360 unset
• 35361 begrimed
• 35362 unoriginal
• 35363 echinoderm
• 35364 infamously
• 35365 doffing
• 35366 diagramming
• ...