Cirrhopod

/ˈsɪrəpɑd/ noun

Definition

An organism with cirri used as feet or appendages for feeding and movement, particularly referring to certain crustaceans or other small sea creatures.

Etymology

From Latin 'cirrus' (curl, tendril) combined with Greek 'pous' or Latin 'pes' (foot), literally meaning 'curly-footed' or 'tendril-footed.' The term describes organisms using cirri as their primary means of locomotion or feeding.

Kelly Says

Barnacles are cirrhopods—they actually have multiple pairs of feathery legs that they extend out of their shell to comb plankton from the water, which is why they look like they're doing a little dance when they feed!

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