ectoproct
Colonial aquatic invertebrate
An ectoproct is a tiny aquatic invertebrate that lives in colonies, forming encrusting or branching structures on rocks, shells, and seaweed.
Also called bryozoans or moss animals, ectoprocts filter microscopic food particles from the water.
The name refers to the anus being located outside the ring of feeding tentacles.
Most are marine, though some live in fresh water.
Colonial aquatic invertebrate
- invertebrateAnimal sans backbone
- phylumMajor classification rank
- colonial organismInterconnected individuals functioning together
- filter feederAnimal straining waterborne nutrients
Flexible grasping appendages
- aviculariumModified bryozoan zooid
- operculumAnatomical lid structure
- coelomMesoderm-lined internal space
- gutDigestive tract, or instinct
ciliated · orifice · calcified · chitinous · gelatinous · anus · pharynx
Forming a hardened covering
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- mat-formingGrowing in dense sheets
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
budding · polymorphism · heterozooid · interconnected · modular · clonal · chitinous · attachment
Extracting nutrients from water
- planktonDrifting marine microlife
- marine habitatUnderwater living environment
- freshwaterNon-saline aquatic environment
- biofoulingOrganism accumulation on surfaces
ship hull · pier · rocky shore · kelp · seagrass · substrate · benthic · intertidal
Preserved ancient organism
- OrdovicianPaleozoic geological period
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- PaleozoicEarly complex-life epoch
- reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
Archimedes · calcification · preservation · extinction · evolution · Mesozoic · paleobiology · sedimentary
bryozoan
Colonial aquatic invertebrate
- invertebrateAnimal sans backbone
- phylumMajor classification rank
- colonial organismInterconnected individuals functioning together
filter feeder · aquatic animal · sessile · marine invertebrate
tentacles
Flexible grasping appendages
- aviculariumModified bryozoan zooid
- operculumAnatomical lid structure
- coelomMesoderm-lined internal space
gut · ciliated · orifice · calcified · chitinous · gelatinous · anus · pharynx
encrusting
Forming a hardened covering
- branchingSplitting into separate directions
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- mat-formingGrowing in dense sheets
substrate · budding · polymorphism · heterozooid · interconnected · modular · clonal · chitinous · attachment · growth form
filter feeding
Extracting nutrients from water
- planktonDrifting marine microlife
- marine habitatUnderwater living environment
- freshwaterNon-saline aquatic environment
biofouling · ship hull · pier · rocky shore · kelp · seagrass · substrate · benthic · intertidal · subtidal
fossil
Preserved ancient organism
- OrdovicianPaleozoic geological period
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- PaleozoicEarly complex-life epoch
reef · Archimedes · calcification · preservation · extinction · evolution · Mesozoic · paleobiology · sedimentary