Question

How do you think the body plan of a planktonic rotifer might differ from that of a rotifer that is a member of the periphyton community?

Why?

Answer 1

Rotifer belongs to the class of invertebrates. They are generally multicellular animals with specialized organ systems. They have a unique feature - crown of cilia. Like roundworms, they have complete digestive tract.

Some of the rotifers are freshwater or planktonic. They are free living. While there is another group of rotifers, which is attached to a substratum in the aquatic region. The body size of rotifers will vary significantly according to the habitat of the rotifer. The rotifers which are attached to the substratum and are present in large density, have small body sizes. The rotifers which are free living and are present in less dense population, have larger body sizes. This depends upon the availability of nutrients and space in that particular habitat.