The word "trochophore" is spelled with a silent "ch" and pronounced as /ˈtroʊkəˌfɔr/. The first syllable "tro" rhymes with "go" and the second syllable "cho" is pronounced like "koh". The last syllable "phore" sounds like "four". Trochophore is a type of larva found in marine invertebrates, consisting of a head with a ring of cilia, enabling it to move and feed. It is a commonly studied organism in marine biology due to its unique structure and developmental processes.
A trochophore is a free-swimming larval form found in certain groups of marine invertebrates, especially various species of annelids, mollusks, and marine flatworms. It is characterized by its distinct ciliated ring structure known as the prototroch, which is located near the anterior end of the larva.
The trochophore larva typically possesses a spherical or oblong body shape, often with a transparent or translucent appearance. It features a well-developed alimentary canal consisting of a mouth, gut, and anus. The prototroch functions as a locomotory organ, enabling the larva to move through the water column by means of ciliary bands. These bands not only aid in locomotion but also help direct particles towards the mouth for feeding.
The term "trochophore" originates from the Greek words "trochos," meaning "wheel," and "phoros," meaning "carrier" or "bearer." This name references the circular arrangement of locomotory cilia in the proto-troch, resembling a rotating wheel. Trochophores are considered a key developmental stage in the life cycle of many marine invertebrates, serving as a means of dispersal and enabling the larvae to explore different environments and search for suitable habitats. Eventually, these larvae undergo metamorphosis, transforming into the adult form of the organism.
The word "trochophore" is derived from the Greek words "trochos", meaning "wheel", and "phoros", meaning "carrier" or "bearer". The term was coined by German zoologist Johannes Holtzmann in 1848 to describe a type of larva found in several groups of marine organisms, particularly among annelids and mollusks. The name "trochophore" was given due to the ciliated wheel-like structure that surrounds the larval body and aids in locomotion.