STELLERIDANS Meaning and
Definition
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Stelleridans, commonly known as starfish, are a group of marine invertebrates that belong to the class Asteroidea. They are characterized by their distinctive star-shaped appearance, typically with five arms radiating outwards from a central disk. However, some species may have more arms, ranging from four to over forty. Stelleridans can be found in oceans all around the world, inhabiting various shallow and deep-water environments, from rocky shores and coral reefs to the seafloor.
These fascinating organisms possess a unique anatomy. Their body structure comprises a tough, calcified skeleton known as an endoskeleton, covered with a thin layer of skin. They have a nervous system consisting of a central nerve ring around the mouth, and a radial nerve extending into each arm, allowing them to respond to external stimuli and coordinate movements. Starfish also possess specialized tube feet, which enable them to move, feed, and adhere to surfaces.
Stelleridans are voracious predators, mainly feeding on mollusks, small fish, and various invertebrates. They have a peculiar feeding mechanism, as they evert their stomachs out of their bodies to engulf and digest their prey externally. Some species of starfish are also capable of regenerating lost or damaged arms, which serves as a remarkable defense mechanism against predators.
Due to their unique appearance and ecological importance, starfish have become quite popular in the realm of marine biology research and are often found in tide pools and aquarium exhibits, capturing the attention and curiosity of observers.
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A family of fishes, of which the star-fish is the type.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STELLERIDANS
- atelleridans
- ztelleridans
- xtelleridans
- dtelleridans
- etelleridans
- wtelleridans
- srelleridans
- sfelleridans
- sgelleridans
- syelleridans
- s6elleridans
- s5elleridans
- stwlleridans
- stslleridans
- stdlleridans
- strlleridans
- st4lleridans
- st3lleridans
- stekleridans
- stepleridans
Etymology of STELLERIDANS
The term "stelleridans" is derived from the word "Stellerida", which is the scientific name for the class of marine invertebrates commonly known as sea stars or starfish. The word "Stellerida" itself pays homage to the German botanist, zoologist, and physician Georg Wilhelm Steller, who was a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 18th century. Steller is renowned for his explorations of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander Islands in the far eastern regions of Russia, where he made significant contributions to our knowledge of the natural history of this group of creatures.
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