Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

metazoa

Noun
/ˌmɛtəˈzoʊ.ə/
Definition
Metazoa refers to a major clade of multicellular organisms that are commonly known as animals. This group encompasses all animals, from simple forms like sponges to more complex forms like mammals.
Examples
  • Metazoa includes organisms such as insects, birds, and mammals.
  • The study of metazoa helps scientists understand the evolution and classification of different animal life forms.
  • Coral reefs are made up of a diverse range of metazoa.
Meaning
In biological terms, metazoa is used to denote the vast group of multicellular organisms that exhibit a more complex level of organization than unicellular organisms. This includes defining characteristics such as the presence of differentiated cells that form various tissues and organ systems.
Synonyms
  • Animals
  • Fauna