Definition

A type of small aquatic animal that belongs to a group of crustaceans, often found in freshwater, and includes species like fairy shrimp and water fleas. They have a segmented body and flat appendages that help them swim.

Example

The pond was full of branchiopods, including tiny water fleas that danced in the sunlight.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a branchiopod before?

No, I haven't! What do they look like?

They're these tiny aquatic creatures, like fairy shrimp or water fleas.

That sounds cool! I'd love to learn more about them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Branchiopod is formed from "branchia" (from Greek "branchia", meaning gills) and "pod" (from Greek "pous, podos", meaning foot). The word describes a group of crustaceans that have gill-like appendages used for swimming, hence the combination of gills and feet.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gills' ('branchia') that help these creatures swim, and 'feet' ('pod') that describe their appendages. This helps you remember that branchiopods are aquatic animals with gill-like feet.

Visually Confused Words