Ascidiacea

/æsɪdiˈeɪʃə/ noun

Definition

A taxonomic class or grouping of marine organisms that includes the sea squirts and related ascidians.

Etymology

From Latin 'ascidium' plus the suffix '-acea' (resembling), a scientific naming convention for biological classifications.

Kelly Says

Ascidiaceans were so mysterious to early marine biologists that they weren't firmly classified as animals for centuries—some thought they were plants because they attach to rocks and don't move!

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