peristome
/ˈpɛrɪstoʊm/
noun
- The fringe of small teeth or a ring around the opening of a moss capsule, helping to release spores.
- Botany students examined the peristome to identify the species of moss.
- The peristome opens and closes depending on humidity to control spore release.
- Under the microscope, the peristome of the moss looked like a tiny crown of teeth.
- The rim or border around the opening of a pitcher plant or other similar structure, often slippery to trap insects.
- Scientists studied how the peristome's shape helps funnel insects into the trap.
- The pitcher plant's peristome is coated with a waxy substance that makes insects lose their footing.
- Rainwater collects on the peristome, making it even more slippery for prey.
- In zoology, the area around the mouth of certain invertebrates, such as sea urchins or snails.
- The peristome of the starfish is surrounded by tube feet that help it feed.
- In snails, the peristome is the edge of the shell opening where the body emerges.
- The sea urchin's peristome contains its five teeth, which it uses to scrape algae off rocks.