Comatulid

/koʊˈmætjəlɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of the family Comatulidae, which includes free-living crinoids without stalks.

Etymology

From comatula + -id (suffix used in taxonomy to denote family members). The -idae suffix creates family-level classifications in biological taxonomy.

Kelly Says

Comatulids are crinoids that cut themselves free as adults, unlike their cousins that stay rooted to the ocean floor—it's like sea lilies that decide to become mobile dancers instead of staying as statues.

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