What are the general characteristics of Gastrotricha?

Characteristics of Gastrotricha: Bilaterally symmetrical, and vermiform. Body has more than two cell layers, tissues and organs. Body contains no internal cavity. Body possesses a through gut with a subterminal anus.

How do Gastrotricha feed?

They have adhesive glands with which they can anchor themselves to the substrate and cilia with which they move around. They feed on detritus, sucking up organic particles with their muscular pharynx. They are hermaphrodites, the marine species producing eggs which develop directly into miniature adults.

Where are Gastrotricha found?

Gastrotrichs are especially abundant in habitats that are rich in organic matter, such as eutrophic lakes, organically rich sediments, beds of vegetation, and bogs, and it has been suggested that gastrotrich density is positively correlated with lake productivity.

Is Gastrotricha an Acoelomate?

Gastrotricha is a phylum of microscopic, free-living, aquatic worms, characterized by bilateral symmetry and an acoelomate body plan. These animals, which are mostly less than 3 millimeters in length, are found in both freshwater and marine ecosystems. They often have very high population densities.

How big is the body of a gastrotrich?

Gastrotrichs (GAS-truh-tricks) are microscopic water-dwelling worms shaped like straps, bowling pins, or various forms in between. They are 0.002 to 0.1 inch (50 micrometers to 3.5 millimeters) long. The body is flat on the bottom and arched on the top. The body covering is almost see-through, like fogged-up glass.

What kind of animal is a gastrotrich?

Gastrotrich. The gastrotrichs ( phylum Gastrotricha ), commonly referred to as hairybacks, are a group of microscopic (0.06-3.0 mm), worm-like, pseudocoelomate animals, and are widely distributed and abundant in freshwater and marine environments. They are mostly benthic and live within the periphyton,…

What kind of water does a gastrotrich live in?

They occur in salt water and freshwater and also on sandy seashores. The gastrotrich body, which ranges in size from 0.1 to 1.5 millimetres (0.004 to 0.06 inch), is covered by a cuticle that is often scaly and spiny. The head is swollen and lobelike.

Are there any positive effects of Gastrotricha on humans?

Beyond the potential for scientific research, there are no known positive effects of gastrotrichs on humans. As they can reproduce at incredibly fast rates, it is possible that these animals play an important role in the bacterial population levels of their environment, but this has yet to be studied in detail.