Enteropneusta

/ˌɛntərɑpˈnjuːstə/ noun

Definition

The phylum (major animal group) that includes acorn worms and other marine animals with gill slits and a notochord-like structure.

Etymology

From Greek 'enteron' (intestine) + 'pneusta' (breathing creatures). This is the taxonomic name for the entire group of organisms sharing these intestinal breathing characteristics.

Kelly Says

Enteropneusta is the scientific name for a group so weird and obscure that most biologists go their whole careers never studying them—yet they're considered the 'missing link' between invertebrates and vertebrates, hiding in ocean mud worldwide.

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