Anisobranchiate

/ænˌɪsoʊˈbræŋkiːət/ adjective

Definition

Having unequal or asymmetrically arranged gills, as in certain aquatic animals.

Etymology

From Greek aniso- (unequal) plus branchiate (from Greek brankh-, meaning gill). The term was coined in zoology to describe gill structures that lack perfect symmetry.

Kelly Says

Many shellfish and marine creatures have lopsided gill arrangements that would look weird if they were symmetrical—nature often breaks the rules of perfect balance because asymmetry actually works better for filter-feeding water through irregular body shapes.

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