megasclere
Large sponge spicule
A megasclere is one of the larger structural spicules that form the skeleton of a sponge, distinguished from the smaller microscleres.
These needle-like or rod-shaped mineral structures—typically made of silica or calcium carbonate—provide the sponge's main structural support: The megascleres were arranged in a lattice pattern throughout the sponge tissue.
Minute sharp projection
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- spongeAbsorbent cleaning material
- skeletonInternal supportive framework
- calcareousContainingite calcium carbonate chalk
framework · support · fiber · network · architecture · rigidity · scaffold · matrix
Establishing who someone is
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- genusTaxonomic rank above species
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- diagnosticTest to identify problems
characteristic · key · morphology · voucher · specimen · museum · description · taxonomy
spicule
Minute sharp projection
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- spongeAbsorbent cleaning material
- skeletonInternal supportive framework
calcareous · framework · support · fiber · network · architecture · rigidity · scaffold · matrix · body
identification
Establishing who someone is
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- genusTaxonomic rank above species
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
diagnostic · characteristic · key · morphology · voucher · specimen · museum · description · taxonomy · phylogeny
style
Distinctive way of expression
fusiform · curved · straight · smooth · spined · knobbed · terminal · axial · symmetry · length