Dicyema

/daɪˈsiːmə/ noun

Definition

A genus of microscopic parasitic worms that live inside cephalopods like octopuses and squid, representing an entirely unique group of organisms.

Etymology

From Greek 'di-' (two) + 'kyema' (embryo or fetus). The name refers to the two-stage life cycle these unusual parasites have.

Kelly Says

Dicyema worms are so weird that scientists couldn't classify them for a century—they're not quite animals, not quite anything else, revealing how much life we're still discovering!

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