Bryozoa, also known as moss animals, are a group of small, filter-feeding invertebrate animals that belong to the phylum Bryozoa. They are typically found in aquatic environments, both freshwater and marine, and are characterized by their ability to form colonies, often resembling moss or branching structures.
Individual bryozoans, called zooids, are tiny, multicellular organisms within the colony that are interconnected through a network of tubes. Each zooid has a hard exoskeleton or a calcified structure, known as a zooecium, which protects it and provides support. The zooecium can have a variety of shapes, from oval to circular or elongated, depending on the species.
Bryozoans are filter feeders, and each zooid has tiny tentacles called lophophores that surround their mouths. These tentacles capture small particles, such as algae or plankton, from the surrounding water, which the zooids then consume as their source of food.
Bryozoans play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems as they contribute to nutrient cycling and provide habitats for other organisms. They can colonize various substrates, including rocks, shells, or submerged vegetation. Some species of bryozoans are also considered pests as they can accumulate on ship hulls, causing biofouling and potentially affecting the efficiency of vessels.
Overall, bryozoans are a diverse and ecologically important group of invertebrates that form unique colonial structures and contribute to the biological diversity of aquatic ecosystems.
