Eleutherozoa

/ɪˌluːðəroʊˈzoʊə/ noun

Definition

A group of organisms, particularly sea creatures, that move freely and are not attached to a surface, as opposed to sedentary species.

Etymology

From Greek eleutheros 'free' and zoon 'animal.' An older biological classification for mobile organisms.

Kelly Says

Scientists called free-swimming sea creatures eleutherozoa to distinguish them from things like corals and sponges that are stuck in place forever—it's all about who gets to move.

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