Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a rotifer?
What is a rotifer?
What are rotifers also known as?
What are rotifers also known as?
Wheel animals
What size of organism do rotifers mainly prey on?
What size of organism do rotifers mainly prey on?
Microscopic organisms
What is the most noticeable part of a rotifer's anatomy?
What is the most noticeable part of a rotifer's anatomy?
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What is the trophi in a rotifer's neck?
What is the trophi in a rotifer's neck?
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What is the function of the trunk in rotifers?
What is the function of the trunk in rotifers?
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What is the role of the foot in rotifers?
What is the role of the foot in rotifers?
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On what kind of animals are rotifers most likely to be found?
On what kind of animals are rotifers most likely to be found?
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What does the term planktonic refer to?
What does the term planktonic refer to?
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What is the most common method of reproduction among rotifers?
What is the most common method of reproduction among rotifers?
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How long does it usually take for rotifer eggs to hatch?
How long does it usually take for rotifer eggs to hatch?
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What common trait do many microscopic animals share?
What common trait do many microscopic animals share?
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How do bdelloid rotifers reproduce?
How do bdelloid rotifers reproduce?
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What is a defining characteristic of bdelloid rotifers?
What is a defining characteristic of bdelloid rotifers?
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What structure in rotifers guides food particles into their mouths?
What structure in rotifers guides food particles into their mouths?
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From what does the phylum name Rotifera derive?
From what does the phylum name Rotifera derive?
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Where does digestion and absorption of food occur in rotifers?
Where does digestion and absorption of food occur in rotifers?
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Which part of the rotifer is the only one that can fossilize?
Which part of the rotifer is the only one that can fossilize?
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Why do some rotifers reproduce primarily through asexual means?
Why do some rotifers reproduce primarily through asexual means?
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Study Notes
Overview of Rotifera
- Rotifers are small aquatic invertebrates, averaging 50 micrometers to over 2 millimeters in size, characterized by a ring of cilia around the mouth that resembles a spinning wheel.
- Commonly referred to as "wheel animals" due to their distinct head structure known as the corona, which aids in locomotion and feeding.
Anatomy of Rotifers
- Head: Features a semicircular, wheel-like appearance covered with cilia that assist in digestion and sensory functions. The cilia collectively referred to as the corona, resemble a crown.
- Neck: Contains the trophi, the only rigid part of the rotifer's body, which can fossilize when replaced by minerals post-mortem.
- Trunk: A tube-like, extendable body made of concentric tubular portions for flexibility and movement, covered by a transparent cuticle.
- Foot: Used for propulsion and attaching to surfaces, essential for rotifers that form colonies for survival; over twenty species live in colonies.
Habitat and Diet
- Rotifers primarily inhabit aquatic environments and can be found as parasites on other aquatic animals.
- They predominantly feed on microscopic organisms, aligning their size and hunting strategy with their prey.
Reproduction and Development
- Reproduction: Primarily through parthenogenesis (asexual) where embryos develop without fertilization; both male and female forms exist, but males are rare or not observed in many species.
- Embryo Development: Eggs can be carried externally or internally, hatching typically within 12 hours, with development stages influenced by environmental factors.
- Adult Life Span: Generally short, ranging from 5 to 45 days, with their eggs and adults being preyed upon by various organisms.
Specific Class: Bdelloid Rotifers
- Comprising 450 species, bdelloid rotifers are resilient and primarily found in freshwater, feeding on bacteria and algae.
- Known for unique survival mechanisms, they undergo anhidrosis to withstand dry conditions by dehydrating and entering a dormant state until moisture returns.
Key Biological Processes
- Cilia are crucial for guiding food to the rotifer's mouth and aiding in efficient feeding.
- Digestion and absorption mainly occur in the stomach, where food is processed after being gathered by cilia.
- The trophi structure is the only part of a rotifer that can become fossilized, highlighting its significance in paleontological studies.
Notes on Life Cycle
- Many microscopic animals, including rotifers, exhibit short life cycles, a common trait that enhances species survival in fluctuating environments.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Phylum Rotifera with these flashcards! Each card presents a term related to rotifers, including definitions and interesting facts about their size and feeding habits. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of aquatic biology!
