NYCTIPHANES Meaning and
Definition
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Nyctiphanes is a genus of small, shrimp-like crustaceans that belongs to the family Euphausiidae, commonly known as krill. The name Nyctiphanes is derived from the Greek words "nyx" meaning night and "phanes" meaning appearing, which refers to the species' tendency to undergo vertical migration, inhabiting lower depths during the day and moving upwards towards the surface at night.
Krill of the Nyctiphanes genus are widely distributed in various oceans around the world, particularly in the Southern Ocean and the waters around Antarctica. They are primarily cold-water species, thriving in temperatures ranging from -2 to 15 degrees Celsius.
These tiny, translucent organisms typically measure around 1 to 2 centimeters in length and have a slender, elongated body shape. They possess numerous pairs of thoracic legs that aid in swimming and feeding. Nyctiphanes krill are integral components of the marine food webs as they consume phytoplankton and serve as a significant food source for a variety of marine animals such as fish, birds, and whales.
Nyctiphanes krill are known for their mass aggregations, forming dense swarms that can number in the millions. Their population dynamics are heavily influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, and food availability. They play a crucial role in carbon cycling and are considered important indicators of ecosystem health, as their abundance or decline can reflect changes in the marine environment.
Common Misspellings for NYCTIPHANES
- byctiphanes
- myctiphanes
- jyctiphanes
- hyctiphanes
- ntctiphanes
- ngctiphanes
- nhctiphanes
- nuctiphanes
- n7ctiphanes
- n6ctiphanes
- nyxtiphanes
- nyvtiphanes
- nyftiphanes
- nydtiphanes
- nycriphanes
- nycfiphanes
- nycgiphanes
- nycyiphanes
- nyc6iphanes
- nyc5iphanes
Etymology of NYCTIPHANES
The word "Nyctiphanes" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "nyx" meaning "night" and "phanes" meaning "appearing" or "shining". This etymology reflects the nocturnal habits of the organism that bears this name. "Nyctiphanes" is specifically used as the genus name for a group of bioluminescent, deep-sea shrimp-like crustaceans.
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