Barnacles
Barnacles
Barnacles (/ˈbɑːrnəkəlz/; from Old Norse barn, meaning "child", and akr, meaning "acre") are a type of arthropod belonging to the crustacean class. They are exclusively marine, and tend to live in shallow and tidal waters, typically in erosive settings.
Etymology
The term "barnacle" is derived from the Old Norse barn, which means "child", and akr, which means "acre". This is likely due to the barnacle's prolific reproduction and widespread distribution.
Anatomy
Barnacles have a hard exoskeleton made up of calcite plates. They have two pairs of antennae and three pairs of appendages, known as cirri, which they use for feeding.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a barnacle starts with a free-swimming larval stage. The larvae then undergo metamorphosis into a sessile adult form, which attaches itself to a hard substrate.
Ecological Role
Barnacles play a significant role in the marine ecosystem. They provide food for a variety of organisms and serve as a habitat for numerous species of small invertebrates.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Barnacles
- Wikipedia's article - Barnacles
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