Azygobranchiate

/ˌæzɪɡoʊˈbræŋkieɪt/ adjective

Definition

Having the characteristic of unpaired or asymmetrical gills.

Etymology

From 'azygobranchia' + '-ate' suffix (having the quality of). Describes organisms with this unusual respiratory arrangement.

Kelly Says

Evolution doesn't always produce symmetrical creatures—these one-gilled mollusks show that sometimes losing half your organ pairs is actually a successful survival strategy if you're living in a spiral shell.

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