SUBCLASS MALACOSTRACA Meaning and
Definition
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Subclass Malacostraca is a taxonomic category that falls under the class Malacostraca, a diverse and widespread class of crustaceans. It includes more than 25,000 known species, making it the largest and most diverse group of crustaceans.
Members of the subclass Malacostraca are characterized by having a specialized body structure, which generally consists of a fused head and thorax region called a cephalothorax, followed by a segmented abdomen. They possess a pair of compound eyes and two pairs of antennae, typically used for sensory perception.
Subclass Malacostraca encompasses a wide variety of crustaceans, such as crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and crayfish. They inhabit various aquatic environments, ranging from freshwater lakes and rivers to brackish and marine habitats.
Many species within this subclass are of significant economic importance and are commercially harvested for human consumption. They also play crucial ecological roles, as they serve as a food source for numerous organisms, including humans, and participate in nutrient recycling within the aquatic ecosystems.
The subclass Malacostraca is further divided into several orders, each with its own distinct characteristics and ecological adaptations. Some notable orders include Decapoda, which includes crabs and shrimps, Isopoda, which includes woodlice and pillbugs, and Amphipoda, which includes freshwater and marine species.
Common Misspellings for SUBCLASS MALACOSTRACA
- aubclass malacostraca
- zubclass malacostraca
- xubclass malacostraca
- dubclass malacostraca
- eubclass malacostraca
- wubclass malacostraca
- sybclass malacostraca
- shbclass malacostraca
- sjbclass malacostraca
- sibclass malacostraca
- s8bclass malacostraca
- s7bclass malacostraca
- suvclass malacostraca
- sunclass malacostraca
- suhclass malacostraca
- sugclass malacostraca
- subxlass malacostraca
- subvlass malacostraca
- subflass malacostraca
Etymology of SUBCLASS MALACOSTRACA
The word "subclass" in the term "subclass Malacostraca" is derived from the Latin word "sub" which means "under" or "below", and "classis" which means "class". In taxonomy, a subclass is a rank in the classification system that is below the class and above the order.
The term "Malacostraca" is also derived from Latin. It comes from the combination of two words: "malacus" which means "soft" and "ostrakon" which means "shell". Malacostraca refers to a subclass of crustaceans that have a soft body protected by a shell-like structure. This subclass includes familiar animals such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
Similar spelling words for SUBCLASS MALACOSTRACA
- Subclass Magnoliidae,
- Subclass Infusoria,
- Subclass Zoomastigina,
- Subclass Metatheria,
- Subclass Elasmobranchii,
- Subclass Phytomastigina,
- Subclass Synapsida,
- Subclass Entomostraca,
- Subclass Actinopoda,
- Subclass Teleostei,
- Subclass Ostracoda,
- Subclass Euryalida,
- Subclass Rhizopoda,
- Subclass Opisthobranchia.
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