Acanthology

/ækænθˈɑːlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The branch of biology that studies spines, thorns, prickles, and other sharp structures in plants and animals.

Etymology

From Greek 'akantha' (spine, thorn) + '-logia' (study, knowledge), literally meaning 'the study of spines.'

Kelly Says

Acanthology exists as an actual field of study, proving that scientists found something important to learn from spines—they protect plants, signal danger, and evolved in countless clever ways!

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