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) Relationship to PeopleEcotourism and Research 3 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. Animal Diversity Web: Rotifera (Animal Diversity Web account)
Animal Diversity WebEconomic Importance for Humans: PositiveQuote, Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
They are also studied by scientists around the world.
4. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ180148, descriptionView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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