lophophore (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ləˈfɑː.fɔːr/

Meaning and Usage

A lophophore is a horseshoe-shaped or circular structure bearing ciliated tentacles that surround the mouth of certain groups of animals, including some marine invertebrates such as bryozoans, brachiopods, and phoronids. Lophophores are primarily involved in feeding, allowing the animals to filter food particles from the water.

Frequency of Use

The term "lophophore" is primarily used within biological, ecological, and paleontological contexts. It is more common in written texts, including scientific articles and textbooks, rather than in everyday spoken language.

Example Sentences

1. The lophophore of the bryozoan plays a crucial role in filtering plankton from the water.
   (Лофофор мускусной колонии играет решающую роль в фильтрации планктона из воды.)

2. Scientists study the structure of the lophophore to understand the evolutionary relationships between marine invertebrates.
   (Ученые изучают структуру лофофора, чтобы понять эволюционные связи между морскими беспозвоночными.)

3. Observations of the lophophore can provide insights into the feeding mechanisms of aquatic animals.
   (Наблюдения за лофофором могут дать представление о механизмах питания водных животных.)

Idiomatic Expressions

Although "lophophore" does not have widely recognized idiomatic expressions in English, its use can be integral to biologists and ecologists when discussing the feeding mechanisms or classification of certain invertebrates. Here are some related contexts where it appears:

1. "The diversity of species with lophophores highlights the complexity of marine ecosystems."
   (Разнообразие видов с лофофорами подчеркивает сложность морских экосистем.)

2. "Researching lophophores allows us to uncover evolutionary adaptations in different environments."
   (Изучение лофофоров позволяет нам выявить эволюционные адаптации в различных средах.)

3. "The presence of a lophophore indicates a specific ecological niche that the organism occupies."
   (Наличие лофофора указывает на конкретную экологическую нишу, которую занимает организм.)

4. "Studying lophophores helps in understanding the evolutionary pathways of early marine life."
   (Изучение лофофоров помогает понять эволюционные пути ранней морской жизни.)

Etymology

The word "lophophore" comes from the Greek words "lophos," meaning "crest" or "tuft," and "phore," meaning "bearing" or "carrying." The term was likely constructed to describe the structure's tuft-like appearance and its role in feeding.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: None directly, but similar terms in related contexts include "tentacle" or "feeding structure."
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as "lophophore" is a specific biological term without a contrasting term within its context. However, "mouthless" could be considered an opposite concept in a more abstract sense.