statoblast
/ˈstætəˌblæst/
noun
- A small, hard, seed-like structure produced by some aquatic animals (like bryozoans) that can survive harsh conditions and grow into a new animal.
- The bryozoan released statoblasts into the pond to survive the winter.
- Under a microscope, the statoblast looks like a tiny, dark capsule.
- Scientists found statoblasts in the sediment, showing the animals had been there before.