Genus Physalia (Noun)
Meaning
Portuguese man-of-war.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The Portuguese man-of-war belongs to the genus Physalia and is known for its painful sting that can cause severe reactions in humans.
- Divers and swimmers should exercise caution when encountering the genus Physalia in tropical waters, as its venomous tentacles can reach up to 165 feet in length.
- A common misconception is that the genus Physalia is a single organism, when in fact it is a siphonophore, a colony of specialized animals working together.
- Several species within the genus Physalia have been identified, including Physalia physalis, which is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
- The genus Physalia is a unique example of a siphonophore that has adapted to life on the surface of the ocean.