Category:Statoblast

Stat"o*blast, n. Etym: [gr. i.e., remaining) + -blast.] (zoöl.)

Defn: one of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced in The interior of certain bryozoa and sponges, especially in the fresh- Water species; -- also called winter buds.

Note: they are protected by a firm covering, and are usually destined To perpetuate the species during the winter season. They burst open And develop in the spring. In some fresh-water sponges they serve to Preserve the species during the dry season. See illust. under Phylactolæmata.