Lophotrochozoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids LophotrochozoaTemporal range: early Cambrian – Recent
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| Caribbean reef squid or Sepioteuthis sepioidea is a complex lophotrochozoan. | |
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Lophotrochozoa Halanych et al., 1995
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The Lophotrochozoa are a very large group of animals. Their name means "crest-bearing animals." This group is not part of the usual way scientists classify animals. It was discovered more recently using special DNA tests.
This superphylum includes some of the most successful animal groups. Two of the biggest are the Mollusca (like snails and squids) and the Annelida (like earthworms).
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What are Lophotrochozoa?
Lophotrochozoa is a major group of animals. It is a "superphylum," which is a very big category. Scientists use it to group many different animal phyla together. This helps us understand how animals are related.
This group was identified in 1995. It was found using molecular phylogeny. This means scientists looked at the DNA of different animals. They found that these animals share a common ancestor.
Main Groups of Lophotrochozoa
The Lophotrochozoa group includes two main types of animals. These are the trochozoans and the lophophorates. The exact family tree for these groups is still being studied. It seems that these two groups are often mixed together.
Trochozoans
Trochozoans are a group within the Lophotrochozoa. They are known for a special type of larva. This larva is called a trochophore. A trochophore larva is tiny and swims freely. It has two bands of cilia (tiny hair-like structures) around its middle. These cilia help the larva move and gather food.
Animals in the Trochozoa group include:
- Nemertea (ribbon worms)
- Mollusca (snails, clams, octopuses)
- Sipuncula (peanut worms)
- Echiura (spoon worms)
- Annelida (segmented worms like earthworms and leeches)
Lophophorates
Lophophorates are another group within the Lophotrochozoa. They are special because they have a body part called a lophophore. A lophophore is a fan-shaped structure. It has many ciliated tentacles around the mouth. These tentacles help the animal filter food from the water.
Some scientists once thought lophophorates were more closely related to other animal groups. But DNA studies showed they belong with the trochozoans.
Animals in the Lophophorata group include:
- Bryozoa (moss animals)
- Phoronida (horseshoe worms)
- Brachiopoda (lamp shells)
Other animal phyla are also part of Lophotrochozoa. Scientists include them based on their DNA evidence.
Images for kids
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Caribbean reef squid or Sepioteuthis sepioidea is a complex lophotrochozoan.
