1. Micah Vinovskis and Jess Zelenak
Rotifers
Micah Vinovskis and Jess Zelenak

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Nervous System
Consists of “brain” and sense organs
Eyespots