cheilostome
Colonial marine invertebrate
A cheilostome is a type of bryozoan—a tiny colonial marine invertebrate that forms encrusting or branching structures on rocks, shells, and seaweed.
Cheilostomes are distinguished by a hinged lid that can close over each zooid's opening.
They're the most diverse and abundant bryozoans in modern oceans, often appearing as lacy or moss-like growths on underwater surfaces.
Many forms, one interface
- buddingDeveloping from an outgrowth
- colonialOf occupied territories
- encrustingForming a hardened covering
- calcificationMineral hardening of tissue
exoskeleton · stolon · operculum · orifice
Underwater rock or coral formation
- encrustingForming a hardened covering
- sessileAttached at base
- benthicOf the sea bottom
- filter feederAnimal straining waterborne nutrients
calcium carbonate · invertebrate · marine ecosystem · substrate · kelp forest · fouling · larvae · settlement
Study of ancient organisms
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- CretaceousFinal Mesozoic period
- JurassicDinosaur-dominated geological period
- fossilizationOrganic remains becoming mineral
sediment · extinction · petrification · mineralization · paleobiology · limestone · marl
polymorphism
Many forms, one interface
- buddingDeveloping from an outgrowth
- colonialOf occupied territories
- encrustingForming a hardened covering
calcification · exoskeleton · stolon · operculum · orifice
reef
Underwater rock or coral formation
- encrustingForming a hardened covering
- sessileAttached at base
- benthicOf the sea bottom
filter feeder · calcium carbonate · invertebrate · marine ecosystem · substrate · kelp forest · fouling · larvae · settlement · pilings
paleontology
Study of ancient organisms
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- CretaceousFinal Mesozoic period
- JurassicDinosaur-dominated geological period
fossilization · sediment · extinction · petrification · mineralization · paleobiology · limestone · marl