Pronunciation: [sˈiː ˈɒɹɪnd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Sea orange" can be perplexing for English language learners due to its unique pronunciation. It is pronounced /si ˈɔːrɪndʒ/, with the first syllable of "sea" rhyming with "see". The word refers to a type of sea sponge that is bright orange in color. Despite its name, it is not related to the citrus fruit. The word's spelling is straightforward, with "sea" and "orange" both spelled conventionally.
Sea orange is a noun that refers to a type of marine animals known as ascidians, specifically belonging to the family Botryllidae. These ascidians are commonly found in coastal and shallow waters of tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They are characterized by their vibrant orange or reddish-orange coloration, hence the name "sea orange."
Sea oranges typically form colonies consisting of several individual organisms called zooids. These zooids are enclosed in exoskeleton-like structures, which are usually round or oval in shape, resembling small oranges. Each zooid possesses an inhalant siphon, responsible for filtering seawater to obtain food particles, and an exhalant siphon through which waste products are expelled.
These ascidians have a unique reproductive process, undergoing both sexual and asexual reproduction. They release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, where fertilization occurs externally. The resulting larvae settle and attach themselves to a substrate, forming new colonies and repeating the life cycle.
Sea oranges play a significant role in marine ecosystems as filter feeders, consuming microscopic organisms and detritus present in the water. Additionally, they provide shelter for various small marine organisms by creating complex structures with their colonies.
In conclusion, the term sea orange refers to a type of ascidian of the family Botryllidae. These marine animals form colonies, have a vibrant orange coloration, and filter feed on microscopic organisms. They occur in coastal and shallow waters of tropical and subtropical regions, and their colonies serve as shelters for other marine organisms.
