Ectoprocta
Classically called group of the Bryozoaires or Bryozoa (of the Greek bruon , “foam” and zôon , “animal”).
This group which belongs to the super-junction of the Lophophorata appeared with the Ordovicien, it is always current.
These small animals are called the Zoïde S , they live in successive cabins, the zoécies , which form a colony, the zoarium . They produce carbonated matter, several species are thus manufacturers of coral reefs.
Anatomy and biology
These colonies are often laid out flat, in foliage or crust on many supports: rock, algae shells…
The individuals coarsely have the aspect of worms folded up in " U" , the head surrounded by a plume of tentacles called " lophophore" , in the medium of which the mouth opens.
The digestive system is composed, in the order, of an esophagus, a bulky and lengthened stomach, then of a rectum which emerges with the outside.
The cabin is bored of an opening by which the zoîde can leave partly. Lophophore deploys its tentacles ciliés which capture small animals quickly brought to the mouth. The animal can retract abruptly in its cabin which is then closed by a cover or an elastic membrane.
A nerve-knot is located close to the mouth of the animal, which is him even connected to its neighbors by a colonial nervous network.
August 1st
Ecology
August 1st Ectoprocta are mainly marine animals, although there are some alive out of fresh water. Their fecundation is internal, but without copulation; they are generally oviparous animals. Eggs are born from the larvae swimmers, which fix themselves and metamorphose themselves to give the adult form.
External bonds
Simple: Bryozoa