Beggiatoa

/ˌbɛɡ.i.əˈtoʊ.ə/ noun

Definition

A genus of large sulfur bacteria that appear as white filaments and are found in sulfurous and marine environments.

Etymology

Named in 1838 after Italian botanist Francesco Beggiato by Trevisan. The genus name follows Linnaean binomial nomenclature conventions.

Kelly Says

Beggiatoa bacteria are so visible you can actually see them moving with just a microscope—they're among the largest bacteria ever discovered and were named after an Italian naturalist as a scientific honor.

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