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Invertebrate
Zoology Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Gastritricha (Contact)
The Phylum: Gastrotricha are
minute worm-like animals that are known as "Hairy Backs." They are ciliated on the ventrum,
which causes a gliding movement. Their
cuticle bears scales
and bristles. There is a forked tail
with cement
glands and a simple
alimentary canal. Flame cells
are present. There is a simple ganglion
with a few branching nerves.
Reproduction has not been extensively studied, but most species are
known to be hermaphroditic
and some are parthenogenetic. They are freshwater
forms. Their shape is usually elongated
and their movement is by means of their cilia or their musculature.
Gastrotricha have features in
common with Rotifera in their external ciliation, bifid foot and an excretory
system with flame cells. On the other
hand, the character of their gut resembles the Nematoda. ------------------------------------ Please see following plate for Example Structures of the
Gastrotricha: Plate
60 = Example Structure of Gastrotricha. ============== |
