Flustrellidridae
Flustrellidridae is a family of marine bryozoans belonging to the order Ctenostomatida. This family is characterized by their unique colony formation and feeding habits.
Description[edit | edit source]
Flustrellidridae are small, colonial marine organisms that form encrusting or erect colonies. The colonies are composed of individual units known as zooids, each of which is a complete, though highly specialized, individual animal. The zooids are typically tubular and elongated, with a circular or oval opening at the top known as the orifice.
The most distinctive feature of Flustrellidridae is the presence of a large, fan-shaped lophophore, a specialized feeding organ composed of numerous ciliated tentacles. The lophophore is used to filter small particles of food from the water.
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
Flustrellidridae are found in marine environments worldwide, from the intertidal zone to depths of several hundred meters. They are particularly common in cold and temperate waters. They typically inhabit hard substrates, such as rocks, shells, and the undersides of boats, but some species can also be found on soft substrates.
Ecology[edit | edit source]
Flustrellidridae play an important role in marine ecosystems. As filter feeders, they contribute to the cycling of nutrients and the maintenance of water quality. They also provide habitat for a variety of other marine organisms, including algae, sponges, and small invertebrates.
Taxonomy[edit | edit source]
The family Flustrellidridae includes several genera, including Flustrellidra, Bowerbankia, and Alcyonidium. The taxonomy of this group is complex and has been the subject of ongoing research.
Research and conservation[edit | edit source]
Flustrellidridae are of interest to scientists due to their unique biology and ecological role. They are also of concern for conservation, as some species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
| This marine biology related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
This bryozoan-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
This Ctenostomatida related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
