Gymnostomata

/ˌdʒɪmnoʊstoʊˈmeɪtə/ noun

Definition

A class of ciliated protozoans (tiny single-celled organisms) characterized by having cilia arranged around a naked or unadorned mouth opening.

Etymology

From Greek 'gymnos' (naked) and 'stomata' (mouths, plural of 'stoma'). The term describes these microorganisms' distinctive feature of having simple mouth structures without special ornamentation.

Kelly Says

When you look at these creatures under a microscope, their mouths are just basic holes surrounded by waving hairs—no fancy structures like some other protozoans have!

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