Gymnolaemata

/ˌɡɪmnoʊliːˈmɑːtə/ noun

Definition

A large group of bryozoans (tiny colonial sea animals) with simple feeding structures lacking prominent frilly appendages.

Etymology

From Greek 'gymnos' (naked) + 'laima' (throat) + Latin '-ata' (plural). The plural or taxonomic form describes multiple organisms with this characteristic.

Kelly Says

Gymnolaemata represents the most successful bryozoans ever—they make up about 99% of living bryozoan species and have conquered nearly every marine environment from shallow reefs to the deepest ocean trenches!

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