The outer protective sheath or covering of certain organisms, particularly the outer wall of some bryozoans or similar colonial animals.
From Greek 'ektos' (outside) and 'theke' (case or sheath), literally 'outer case.' Used in marine biology to describe protective structures.
Tiny bryozoans build themselves apartment buildings with an ectotheca as the outer wall—it's like they construct a protective condominium complex to live safely in the ocean!
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