Dactylozooid

/ˌdæktɪloʊˈzoʊɪd/ noun

Definition

A specialized feeding polyp or individual in colonial marine organisms like hydroids or siphonophores that resembles a finger-like structure.

Etymology

From Greek 'daktylos' (finger), 'zoon' (animal), and '-oid' (resembling), describing a zooid with a finger-like appearance.

Kelly Says

Portuguese man o'wars are actually colonies of specialized individuals, including dactylozooids that catch prey with stinging tentacles—it's one organism that's really multiple animals working together, a stunning example of cooperation in nature.

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