Amphicytula

/ˌæmfɪˈsɪtjələ/ noun

Definition

An early stage larva of certain marine organisms with symmetrical ciliated bands for movement.

Etymology

From Greek 'amphi-' (both) + 'kyta' (cell or body) + diminutive suffix '-ula.' A specialized zoological term for larval forms.

Kelly Says

Many ocean larvae look alien compared to their adult forms—the amphicytula with its hair-like cilia is one of nature's oddest life stages, and these mysterious forms weren't even properly classified until scientists could see them under modern microscopes.

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