CHELICERA Meaning and
Definition
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Chelicera refers to a prominent pair of mouthparts found in arachnids, a group of joint-legged invertebrates that includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites. The term "chelicera" originates from the Greek words "chelos," meaning "claw," and "keros," translating to "horn." These structures are located in front of the arachnid's mouth, protruding from the cephalothorax, which is the fused head and thorax region.
Chelicerae are generally hardened appendages possessing various shapes and sizes, depending on the species. Their primary function is to capture, immobilize, and manipulate prey. The chelicerae exhibit a fundamental two-segment structure, called the "basal segment" attaching to the cephalothorax, and the "claw-like finger" segment, known as the "terminal segment." The latter contains a sharp or fang-like extremity, responsible for piercing the exoskeleton of prey or injecting venom.
In different arachnid taxa, chelicerae have evolved to fulfill specific ecological roles and feeding strategies. For instance, in spiders, the chelicerae often house venom glands that release paralyzing toxins into their victims upon biting. However, some arachnids, such as scorpions, possess chelicerae adapted for grasping and crushing prey rather than injecting venom. Additionally, the chelicerae may be equipped with fine sensory hairs that aid in detecting vibrations or chemical signals.
Overall, the chelicerae represent a distinct and vital anatomical feature of arachnids, allowing them to successfully acquire sustenance and navigate their ecological niche.
Common Misspellings for CHELICERA
- xhelicera
- vhelicera
- fhelicera
- dhelicera
- cgelicera
- cbelicera
- cnelicera
- cjelicera
- cuelicera
- cyelicera
- chwlicera
- chslicera
- chdlicera
- chrlicera
- ch4licera
- ch3licera
- chekicera
- chepicera
- cheliceea
- chellicera
Etymology of CHELICERA
The word "chelicera" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek words "chēlē", meaning "claw", and "keras", meaning "horn". These two components together form "chelikerōn" in Greek, which refers to a structure similar to a claw or horn. The word was later Latinized to "chelicera", which is used in modern scientific terminology to describe the feeding appendages of certain arthropods such as spiders and scorpions.
Similar spelling words for CHELICERA
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