The method of feeding of lophophorates (bryozoa, phoronida, Brachiopoda)

Abstract

Summary The lophophorates all feed by “impingement” feeding, so named by analogy with certain types of particle separators used in industry. In gymnolaemate bryozoans the feeding current is directed at the mouth where particles impinge and are sucked into the pharynx; in phylactolaemate bryozoans the particles impinge in the trough of the lophophore and are transported to the pharynx by cilia. In phoronids and brachiopods, particles impinge on the frontal surface of the tentacles and are conveyed to the pharynx by tracts of cilia.