Azygobranchiata

/ˌæzɪɡoʊˌbræŋkiˈeɪtə/ noun

Definition

A group of mollusks characterized by having unpaired gills rather than symmetrical gill structures.

Etymology

From 'azygobranchia' + Latin '-ata' (plural suffix indicating a group with a particular feature). Scientific classification term for gill-bearing organisms.

Kelly Says

This is one of those fancy scientific groupings that marine biologists use—it's basically saying 'hey, these creatures all have weird one-sided gills' which turned out to be a useful way to organize ancient sea snails before DNA testing came along.

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