bryozoan

[brahy-uh-zoh-uhn]

bryozoan Definition

any aquatic invertebrate animal of the phylum Bryozoa, forming mosslike colonies of small polyps each having a circular or horseshoe-shaped ridge bearing ciliated tentacles for feeding and locomotion.

Using bryozoan: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bryozoan" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The bryozoan colony was found on the underside of the rock.

  • Example

    Bryozoans are important components of marine ecosystems.

  • Example

    The bryozoan fossils date back to the Ordovician period.

Phrases with bryozoan

  • an old term for bryozoan, referring to its mosslike appearance

    Example

    The moss animal colony was observed under the microscope.

  • a type of bryozoan that forms a thin layer over a surface, such as a rock or a shell

    Example

    The encrusting bryozoan was identified by its characteristic shape and texture.

  • marine bryozoan

    a bryozoan species that lives in saltwater environments

    Example

    The marine bryozoan was collected during a research expedition.

Origins of bryozoan

from Greek 'bruon', meaning 'moss' + 'zoion', meaning 'animal'

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Summary: bryozoan in Brief

A 'bryozoan' [brahy-uh-zoh-uhn] is an aquatic invertebrate animal that forms mosslike colonies of small polyps. Each polyp has a circular or horseshoe-shaped ridge bearing ciliated tentacles for feeding and locomotion. Bryozoans are important components of marine ecosystems and can be found as fossils dating back to the Ordovician period.