We all know that there are vast numbers of
microorganisms around us and the most commonly found one are the rotifers. Rotifers
have been discovered back then in 17 century by Antony Ven Lewenhook.
Rotifers are the miniature multi-celled (below 1000
cells) microorganism found in all the places of water. These are the tiniest
members of the group of multicellular organisms to which we, humans belong.
They are mostly about 0.1 to 0.5 mm long with a crown like ciliated structure
called corona at the front. They loco mote through contracting and stretching
its body.
A classic rotifer has a brain, digestive system,
excretory system and reproductive system. Rotifers are known as wheel animals
as the corona around the mouth resemble wheel in motion i.e. the two circles of
constantly beating cilia for grabbing food giving the impression of rotating
wheels. Sometimes these wheels-like-thing also act as propellers for moving the
organism from one place to another.
Rotifers feed on all organic matter, making them the
most jubilant scavengers of aquatic environment.
