Sipunculid (Noun)
Meaning
Small unsegmented marine worm that when disturbed retracts its anterior portion into the body giving the appearance of a peanut.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The sipunculid burrows into the sand, using its muscular setae to dig a tunnel system.
- The unique appearance of the sipunculid has led to it being called a "peanut worm" due to its retracted shape.
- Marine biologists study sipunculids to understand the evolution of body symmetry in invertebrates.
- The sipunculid uses its many tentacles to capture small prey particles from the surrounding water.
- In some coastal ecosystems, sipunculids play a key role in the decomposition process, breaking down organic matter.