CEPHALOCERCAL Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalocercal is an adjective used to describe a specific type of tail structure found in certain organisms. Derived from the Greek words "cephalo" meaning head, and "cerco" meaning tail, the term refers to a tail that is elongated and extends from the posterior region of an organism, resembling an extension of the head or head-like appendage.
This tail structure is commonly observed in aquatic animals, specifically in certain species of fish and larval stages of insects. In organisms with a cephalocercal tail, this feature is characterized by its continuous tapering towards the tip, and its symmetrical and slender form. Additionally, the tail is often flexible and capable of executing various movements, making it an important tool for locomotion, balance, and navigation through the water.
The cephalocercal tail differs from other tail types, such as the homocercal, heterocercal, or diphycercal tails, which possess distinct asymmetrical or symmetrical shapes, and exhibit different structural and functional characteristics.
The unique structure of the cephalocercal tail allows organisms to effectively perform behaviors such as propulsion, steering, and maneuvering, enabling them to efficiently navigate their aquatic environments. Due to its adaptive advantages, this tail structure has evolved independently in different lineages, often as an adaptation to specific ecological niches and lifestyles.
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Relating to both head and tail, i.e. to the long axis of the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALOCERCAL
- xephalocercal
- vephalocercal
- fephalocercal
- dephalocercal
- cwphalocercal
- csphalocercal
- cdphalocercal
- crphalocercal
- c4phalocercal
- c3phalocercal
- ceohalocercal
- celhalocercal
- ce-halocercal
- ce0halocercal
- cepgalocercal
- cepbalocercal
- cepnalocercal
- cepjalocercal
- cepualocercal
Etymology of CEPHALOCERCAL
The word "cephalocercal" is derived from two Greek roots: "cephalo", meaning head, and "cercal", meaning tail.
In biology, "cephalocercal" refers to a type of tail found in certain animals, like fish and crustaceans, where the tail extends from the rear of the body but is narrow and tapered towards the end. The term is used to describe the structure and appearance of such tails, with the prefix "cephalo" indicating the connection to the head, and "cercal" pointing to the tail.
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