Cristispira

/ˌkrɪs.tɪˈspaɪ.rə/ noun

Definition

A genus of spiral-shaped bacteria with a distinctive crest-like arrangement, found in the digestive tracts of certain animals.

Etymology

From Latin 'crista' (crest) plus 'spira' (coil or spiral). The name describes both the spiral shape and the crest-like structural features of these bacteria.

Kelly Says

Cristispira bacteria live in termites' guts and spiral like tiny corkscrews—they help termites digest wood, making them the unsung heroes of decomposition.

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