Glochidia

/ɡlɒˈkɪdiə/ noun

Definition

Plural of glochidium; the larval stage of certain freshwater mussels, characterized by microscopic hooks or barbs.

Etymology

Latin plural of glochidium (from Greek glochis). Standard scientific Latin pluralization.

Kelly Says

Freshwater mussel glochidia are so specialized that each species targets specific fish—it's a 350-million-year-old coevolution arms race between mussels and fish, locked in mutual dependence.

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