A class of small aquatic crustaceans including brine shrimp, daphnia, and fairy shrimp, characterized by gill-like legs.
From 'branchiopod' + Latin '-a' (class suffix). Scientific classification established in the 1800s for this group of primitive crustaceans with multifunctional limbs.
Branchiopoda survived the evolution of more advanced crustaceans by staying tiny and specializing in extreme habitats—salt lakes and temporary pools where competitors can't go.
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