Micah Vinovskis and Jess Zelenak Rotifers Micah Vinovskis and Jess Zelenak

Phylum Rotifera “Wheel animals” Aquatic Microscopic Multicellular More than 1800 species

Classification Ecdysozoans (related to nematodes and arthropods) because of cuticle Other scientists classify as lophotrochozoans

Habitat Mostly fresh water Some in marine environments Some in damp soil

Anatomy Possibly evolved from animals with a coelom or body cavity Space filled with fluid between the body wall and the digestive tube Cuticle Crown of cilia on anterior end Cilia beat rapidly like a spinning wheel

Food Tiny organisms in the stream of water drawn into their mouths Muscular organ posterior to mouth grinds up food Wastes eliminated through anus Excess water and metabolic wastes excreted by protonephridia with flame cells

Nervous System Consists of “brain” and sense organs Eyespots