Rotifers make up a phylum, Rotifera, of microscopic and near-microscopic pseudocoelomate animals, typically around 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters long. They are common in freshwater environments throughout the world, with a few saltwater species, and take their name from the corona around the mouth, whose concerted sequential motion resembles a wheel. Rotifers form an important part of freshwater zooplankton, serving as a major food source, and many species also contribute to the decomposition of soil organic matter.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceThe two most distinctive features of rotifers (in females of all species) are the presence of corona on the head, a structure ciliated in all genera except Cupelopagis, and the presence of mastax. 1 Scientific Name Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Ecosystem
Source Wikipedia: Rotifer
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Rotifer
Introduction
The rotifers (, from Latin rota 'wheel' and -fer 'bearing'), sometimes called wheel animals or wheel animalcules, make up a phylum (Rotifera ) of microscopic and near-microscopic pseudocoelomate animals.
Anatomy section
The two most distinctive features of rotifers (in females of all species) are the presence of corona on the head, a structure ciliated in all genera except Cupelopagis, and the presence of mastax.
- common in freshwater environments worldwide with a few saltwater species
In Ecosystem: Lake Baikal, Lead
Most species of the rotifers are cosmopolitan, but there are also some endemic species, like Cephalodella vittata to Lake Baikal.
In Group: Rotifers and Spiny-Headed Worms, Lead
The rotifers (, from Latin rota 'wheel' and -fer 'bearing'), sometimes called wheel animals or wheel animalcules, make up a phylum (Rotifera ) of microscopic and near-microscopic pseudocoelomate animals.
View the Source2. Wikidata: Rotifera
- Wikidata Q180148, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Introduction
- Child Taxon Of: Spiralia, Wikidata P171 (parent taxon)
View the Source3. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ180148, descriptionView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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