Gnathobdellae

/ˌɡnæθoʊbˈdɛl.i/ noun

Definition

A group or class of leeches that have true jaws for feeding.

Etymology

From 'gnatho-' (jaw) plus 'bdella' from Greek 'bdella' meaning leech. Distinguishes jaw-bearing leeches from jawless types.

Kelly Says

Gnathobdellae are the carnivorous leeches with actual jaws—they're the vampires of the leech world, while their jawless cousins are filter feeders, showing how taxonomy tracks feeding evolution.

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