Cladoceran

/klædoʊˈsɛrən/ noun

Definition

A single member of the Cladocera group, such as a water flea that swims by using its large branched antennae.

Etymology

From the scientific name Cladocera, formed from Greek roots 'klados' (branch) and 'keras' (horn). The singular form '-an' suffix indicates an individual organism of this class.

Kelly Says

Cladocerans have an amazing superpower called 'cyclical parthenogenesis'—they can clone themselves when food is plentiful, but switch to sexual reproduction when conditions get tough, allowing them to survive environmental changes.

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