Animal Phyla/Loricifera
Loricifera
- Name Meaning: Corset bearer
- English Common Name: Brush heads
- Major distinguishing characteristics: Umbrella-like scales at each end
- Approximate number of species described: about 122
Natural History
[edit | edit source]The Loricifera are marine animals. They live in the sediment between the grains of gravel or other sediment types.
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]The Phylum is divided into one order and three families.
- Order Nanaloricida
- Family Nanaloricidae
- Family Pliciloricidae
- Family Urnaloricidae
Anatomy
[edit | edit source]The small-bodied Loricifera have a head, mouth and digestive system. They also have a lorica, which is an armor-like lorica which is a protective external shell.
The Fossil Record
[edit | edit source]One fossil, the Cambrian-era Eolorica deadwoodensis may be associated with the Loricifera.
Quiz
[edit | edit source]References and Further Reading
[edit | edit source]- Loricifera at Wikipedia
- Loricifera at Tree of Life
- Loricifera at Encyclopedia of Life