Lungfish: meaning, definitions and examples
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lungfish
[ lʌŋfɪʃ ]
zoology fish
Lungfish are a group of freshwater fish belonging to the subclass Dipnoi, distinguished by their ability to breathe air using lung-like structures. They possess both gills and lungs, allowing them to survive in oxygen-poor waters and to endure drought by estivating in mud. Lungfish can be found in Africa, South America, and Australia, showcasing a unique adaptation to their environments. With elongated bodies and paired lungs, they are fascinating examples of evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.
Examples of usage
- Lungfish can breathe air when the water is low in oxygen.
- In periods of drought, lungfish burrow into the mud to stay hydrated.
- Lungfish are often studied to understand the evolution of vertebrates.
Translations
Translations of the word "lungfish" in other languages:
🇵🇹 peixe pulmonado
🇮🇳 फेफड़े वाला मछली
🇩🇪 Lungenfisch
🇮🇩 ikan paru-paru
🇺🇦 легенева риба
🇵🇱 ryba płucodyszna
🇯🇵 肺魚 (はいぎょ)
🇫🇷 poisson poumon
🇪🇸 pez pulmonado
🇹🇷 akciğer balığı
🇰🇷 폐어
🇸🇦 سمكة الرئة
🇨🇿 plícnatka
🇸🇰 plúcová ryba
🇨🇳 肺鱼
🇸🇮 pljučna riba
🇮🇸 lungfish
🇰🇿 өкпе балығы
🇬🇪 სახსრის თევზი
🇦🇿 ağciyər balığı
🇲🇽 pez pulmonado
Etymology
The term 'lungfish' comes from the combination of 'lung' and 'fish', referring to their unique respiratory adaptations. The word 'lung' stems from the Old English 'lang', meaning 'lung', and the word 'fish' has roots in the Old English 'fisc', which translates to 'fish'. The subclass Dipnoi, to which lungfish belong, comes from the Greek word 'dipnoi', meaning 'two breaths'. Lungfish have an evolutionary history that dates back to the Devonian period, around 400 million years ago, making them one of the oldest surviving lineages of vertebrates. Their unique adaptations have allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, showcasing their resilience and evolutionary significance.