Microscopic aquatic invertebrates named for the crown of cilia at the head end that, in motion, resembles a spinning wheel. Rotifera is common in freshwater ponds and mosses worldwide, and several species are notable for surviving complete desiccation for years at a time.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Count Band Era First Appeared Disputed
Member Species/Taxa CountApproximate described-species (or, for a genus, described-taxon) count; continually revised as species are newly described, reclassified or synonymized. Classification
Living or Extinct Connections
Sources
1. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ180148, descriptionView the Source 2. Catalogue of Life
3. Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank): Taxon metrics for Rotifera
Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank)Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCountQuote, Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
"speciesExtantCount": 2467
4. Paleobiology Database: Taxon record for Rotifera
Paleobiology DatabaseTaxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)Quote, Taxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
"taxon_name": "Rotifera" ... "firstapp_max_ma": 48.07 ... "early_interval": "Lutetian"
Wikidata: Rotifera
Wikidata Q180148, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Wikipedia: Rotifer
In Group: Minor Animal Phyla, LeadQuote, In Group: Minor Animal Phyla, 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.
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