A saddle-shaped structure or protective capsule found in certain crustaceans and other organisms, especially daphnia.
From Greek ephippos meaning 'wearing a saddle,' from epi 'on' and hippos 'horse'—named because of its resemblance to a horse's saddle.
This tiny structure, barely visible to the naked eye, is one of nature's most robust survival tools—some ephippia can remain dormant for over 300 years in lake sediments!
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