Sealife guideThe sea life glossaryOur glossaries

Last updated on 09/12/2026 at 01:37 PM

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Description

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mantle

Définition

A layer of tissue in mollusks that secretes the shell and may form a cavity for respiration and excretion.

Anglais

manteau

Français

megalopa

Définition

A larval stage in many crabs that follows the zoea stage and already resembles a small crab before becoming a young bottom-dwelling crab.

Anglais

mégalope

Français

mesoderm

Définition

The middle layer of cells in an embryo, which gives rise to muscles, bones and the circulatory system.

Anglais

mésoderme

Français

mesoglea

Définition

The jelly-like, non-cellular middle layer of a sponge, located between the outer and inner cell layers.

Anglais

mésogelée

Français

metaphyte

Définition

A simple, primarily plant-like organism, often referring to algae or other non-vascular plants.

Anglais

métaphyte

Français

metazoan

Définition

A multicellular animal with differentiated tissues and organs.

Anglais

métazoaire

Français

Micronesia

Définition

A region of Oceania made up of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.

Anglais

Micronésie (région)

Français

Micronesia

Définition

A country in the western Pacific ocean, officially called the Federated States of Micronesia, composed of over 600 small islands.

Anglais

Micronésie (pays) ou Etats Fédérés de Micronésie

Français

mutualism

Définition

A relationship between two different species in which both benefit from the association.

Anglais

mutualisme

Français

mysticetes

Définition

Baleen whales: large whales that filter-feed using baleen plates instead of teeth.

Anglais

mysticètes

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Photo of the Day

Requin léopard
(Triakis semifasciata)