Dorsobranchiata

/ˌdɔrsoʊbræŋkiˈɑtə/ noun

Definition

An organism or group of organisms having gills situated on the back or dorsal surface.

Etymology

From Latin dorsum (back) + branchiata (having gills, from branchia = gill). A taxonomic or descriptive term for creatures whose gills are located dorsally. Used in zoological classification.

Kelly Says

Some sea slugs and marine worms have dorsobranchiata—their gills stick up like little feathery trees all along their backs, making them look like fantastical creatures from an alien ocean!

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