Rotatoires

Rotatoires, also known as rotifers, are a phylum of microscopic invertebrates found in freshwater environments worldwide. They are characterized by a crown of cilia on their anterior end, which they use for locomotion and feeding. This ciliated crown, called a corona, creates a current that draws food particles into the rotifer's mouth.

Rotifers are typically small, ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters in length, though some species can reach up to 1 millimeter. Their bodies are segmented and covered by a protective cuticle. They possess a complete digestive system and a simple nervous system. Reproduction in rotifers can be asexual, through parthenogenesis, or sexual, depending on environmental conditions and the species.

The phylum Rotifera is diverse, with over 2,000 described species. They play an important role in aquatic ecosystems as a food source for larger organisms and as consumers of bacteria and algae. Some rotifer species are also used in scientific research due to their sensitivity to environmental changes and their relatively simple biology. They are considered a model organism for studying various biological processes, including development, genetics, and toxicology.