Question
Question: What are some examples of rotifers?...
What are some examples of rotifers?
Solution
Rotifers or Rotiferra which are the individuals of Animalia kingdom. They are microscopic organisms ranging from 200 to 500 mm. They are also called wheel animals. They are invertebrates.
Complete answer:
Rotifers are aquatic organisms belonging to the phylum Rotifera. They being invertebrates have no vertebral column that affects their motility. They are the inhabitants of fresh water so are commonly found in all the continents. However, some individuals are also found in salty or brackish water. Some species also live in association with mosses or lichens that imparts parasitic identity. However, they commonly live as independent individuals. They are found in various shapes such as flat, worm-like, spherical,etc.
Some examples of Rotifers:
Asplanchna : They are the members of phylum Rotifera. They are also microscopic. They are exactly like other Rotifers however, also differ in two aspects. They have a hard keratin integument along with foot which is not common amongst Rotifers. Also, twgy have the capacity to undergo polymorphism for diet purposes. This change though takes place phenotypically but is unique to Asplanchna.
Euchlanis
These are another member of phylum Rotifera that are microscopic in size. Their size ranges from 170 to 250 micrometre. They are semi-circular in structure with a notch. They are found in an eutrophic environment that is rich in nutrients. They dwell on bacteria, algae and diatoms for nutritional needs.
Note:
Rotifers are called wheel animals because of their morphology that is physical appearance. They have an arrangement of cilia (bristle-like structures) all around their circular body that imparts them a wheel-like structure.