Anthozoan (Noun)
Meaning
Sessile marine coelenterates including solitary and colonial polyps; the medusoid phase is entirely suppressed.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of the hard exoskeletons produced by anthozoans over thousands of years.
- Anthozoans belong to the class Anthozoa in the phylum Cnidaria, comprising the majority of stony corals and soft corals.
- Sea fans and sea whips are species of anthozoans that thrive in tropical waters with adequate light for photosynthesis.
- Anthozoans are marine animals characterized by having multiple tentacles surrounding their mouth and a sac-like body attached to the substrate.
- In their fascinating diversity, anthozoans play a vital role in shaping the structure and diversity of marine ecosystems around the world.