Home > Animals > Invertebrates > Rotifers

Rotifers

(Rotifera)

 

Category: Invertebrates

 

 

These microscopic and near-microscopic pseudocoelomates are common in freshwater environments all over the world (and a few species can be found in salt-water as well). Rotifers have bilateral symmetry and are divided into head, trunk, and foot regions. Their most distinctive feature is the ciliated “corona” on their head. These coronal cilia form a current that sweeps food particles into their mouth. These cilia can also be used to pull the rotifers through the water when not attached to a substrate. One class of rotifer, the Bdelloidea, are assumed to have not sexually reproduced for millions of years – there are actually no males within the species and the females reproduce only through parthenogenesis!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotifer

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Rotifera

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

Cephalopods: Masterminds of the Ocean.

Octopi, cuttlefish, and squids - all cephalopods - have been observed engaging in amazing feats of intelligence (perhaps unsurprising, as cuttlefish and octopuses have the highest brain-to-body mass of all invertebrates). Their suction-cup covered arms are dexterous, and octopuses have been observed putting them to use throwing rocks, opening screw-top jars, even picking up and gathering coconut shells to build fortresses for themselves. Squids, for their part, have been observed hunting cooperatively and are able to communicate with one another via color changes, patterns, and flashing to one another - sometimes using different sides of their bodies to broadcast different signals to multiple squids! Just how smart are they? As they are typically elusive and so very different from humans, we aren’t sure yet - but we do know the question is not “Are they intelligent?” but “How intelligent are they?”

Learn more >>

 


NAIA - National Animal Interest Alliance Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
To learn more about the NAIA or about other NAIA programs, visit us at www.NAIAOnline.org
if you would like to help, join or support the NAIA or any of its programs please click here >>