The word "Cephalotrocha" is a combination of two Greek words, "Cephalo" meaning head and "Trocha" meaning wheel. It refers to a group of small aquatic animals with a wheel-like structure on their head used for movement and feeding. The spelling of Cephalotrocha is transcribed as [sɛfəloʊ troʊkə], with stress on the first and third syllables. The pronunciation is similar to sef-a-loh troh-kuh, with a long o sound in both syllables.
Cephalotrocha is a genus of small aquatic organisms belonging to the phylum Rotifera. These microscopic animals are commonly found in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. The name "Cephalotrocha" is derived from the Greek words "cephalo," meaning head, and "trocha," meaning wheel, which reflects the distinctive wheel-like structure present on their head region.
Members of the genus Cephalotrocha possess a cylindrical body, typically measuring a few millimeters in length. They are characterized by the presence of a well-developed head, which carries a crown of cilia that resembles rotating wheels. These cilia are used for feeding, locomotion, and sensory perception.
Cephalotrocha species are filter feeders, meaning they consume small particles suspended in the water column. They use their cilia to generate currents that draw in food particles, which are then directed towards the mouth. This mechanism allows them to obtain nutrients such as algae, bacteria, and other tiny organisms.
These rotifers are an important part of the freshwater ecosystem, as they play a vital role in nutrient cycling and serve as a food source for larger organisms. Additionally, their high reproductive rate and ability to produce dormant eggs enable them to rapidly repopulate and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
In conclusion, Cephalotrocha is a genus of small freshwater rotifers characterized by their wheel-like head structure, filter-feeding mechanism, and ecological significance in freshwater ecosystems.
The word "Cephalotrocha" is a combination of two Greek words: "kephalē" meaning "head" and "trochē" meaning "wheel" or "turning". The term was coined in the field of biology to describe a group of small aquatic animals known as gastrotrichs that have a distinctive crown of cilia or "wheels" around their head region. Hence, "Cephalotrocha" refers to the characteristic head region of these organisms.