RADIOLARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Radiolaria are a diverse group of marine microorganisms belonging to the phylum Radiolaria, characterized by the possession of intricate mineral skeletons made of silica. These single-celled organisms are primarily found in marine environments, particularly in the pelagic zone of the oceans, where they play a crucial role in the planktonic community.
The skeletons of radiolaria are complex and highly elaborate structures, consisting of intricate patterns of lattice-like plates and spines, giving the organisms their unique and beautiful appearance. These skeletons provide support and protection for the cell, as well as aid in buoyancy and movement.
Radiolaria can vary significantly in size, ranging from as small as 0.1 millimeters to as large as a few centimeters, depending on the species. They are considered to be one of the most abundant and diverse groups of marine plankton.
Being heterotrophs, radiolaria primarily feed on small particles such as bacteria, algae, and other organic matter. They capture their prey by extending delicate pseudopodia, which are thin, thread-like projections of the cell membrane that engulf their food, ultimately bringing it within the confines of the cell for digestion.
These microorganisms have been present in the Earth's oceans for over 500 million years, and their fossil remains can be found in various sedimentary rock formations. The study of radiolaria holds significant importance in paleontology and biostratigraphy as their fossils provide valuable insights into past environmental conditions and can be used for dating and correlating sedimentary deposits.
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A subclass of Actinopoda, in which there is a chitinous capsule between the endoplasm and the ectoplasm; exclusively salt-water protozoan forms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RADIOLARIA
- eadiolaria
- dadiolaria
- fadiolaria
- tadiolaria
- 5adiolaria
- 4adiolaria
- rzdiolaria
- rsdiolaria
- rwdiolaria
- rqdiolaria
- rasiolaria
- raxiolaria
- raciolaria
- rafiolaria
- rariolaria
- raeiolaria
- raduolaria
- radjolaria
- radkolaria
Etymology of RADIOLARIA
The word "radiolaria" is derived from the Latin word "radius", meaning ray or spoke, and the Greek word "laros", meaning a small stone or pebble. The term was coined by the German naturalist and zoologist Ernst Haeckel in 1862 to describe a group of marine microorganisms that possess intricate silica skeletons resembling tiny, delicate crystalline spheres with radiating spines or arms. Haeckel combined the Latin and Greek roots to represent the characteristic radial symmetry of these organisms.
Similar spelling words for RADIOLARIA
- rattlor,
- rottweiller,
- radiolarian,
- retailor,
- ridler,
- rotweiler,
- radler,
- reteller,
- rottler,
- retailer,
- Riddler,
- Rotular,
- radular,
- sabre-rattler,
- redler,
- rottweiler,
- rottlera,
- rattler,
- rott weiler,
- raedler,
- RADLWAR,
- saber-rattler.
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