Gnathifera and Related Phyla

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the lecture on Gnathifera and related phyla, focusing on rotifers and acanthocephalans.

Gnathifera

Group characterized by the presence of pharyngeal jaws.

Rotifera

Phylum known as 'wheel bearers' with ciliated corona, muscular pharynx with jaws.

Eutely

Condition where organisms have a consistent number of cells.

Mastax

Muscular pharynx in rotifers equipped with teeth (trophi).

Protonephridia

Flame-cell based excretory system for osmoregulation.

Acanthocephala

Subclass known as 'thorn-head' with parasitic members that typically have a proboscis.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction where offspring are produced by females without fertilization.

Ciliated corona

Feeding structure in rotifers, aiding in locomotion and food capture.

Bilobed brain

Nervous structure found in rotifers, consisting of two lobes connected by nerve cords.

Cryptobiosis

A state of dormancy that some organisms can enter in response to unfavorable environmental conditions.