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
The Loricifera are marine animals. They live in the sediment between the grains of gravel or other sediment types.
Taxonomy Edit
The Phylum is divided into one order and three families.
- Order Nanaloricida
- Family Nanaloricidae
- Family Pliciloricidae
- Family Urnaloricidae
Anatomy Edit
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
One fossil, the Cambrian-era Eolorica deadwoodensis may be associated with the Loricifera.
Quiz Edit
References and Further Reading Edit
- Loricifera at Wikipedia
- Loricifera at Tree of Life
- Loricifera at Encyclopedia of Life