Acephalan

/eɪˈsɛf.ə.lən/ noun

Definition

An organism, particularly a mollusk, that lacks a distinct head or cephalic region.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) and kephale (head), plus -an (relating to). Scientific Latin term from 18th-century taxonomy for headless animals.

Kelly Says

Acephalans like certain clams literally don't have heads—yet they manage to eat, reproduce, and thrive, showing evolution's remarkable ability to build complex bodies without brains.

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