Branchiopods
Branchiopoda
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Branchiopoda
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Branchiopoda: /bræŋkiˈoʊpədə/
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Images
Summary
Branchiopoda is a diverse class of small crustaceans primarily found in freshwater environments, recognized for their gill-bearing appendages and ecological importance as filter feeders and prey.
Physical Characteristics
Many members possess gills on appendages including mouthparts; generally have compound eyes and a carapace that can be absent or vary in structure depending on the group.
Identification Tips
Look for the presence of gills and varying carapace structures; fairy shrimp swim upside-down and their trunk limbs are adapted for filter feeding.
Habitat
Primarily found in freshwater environments, including temporary pools, hypersaline lakes, and some in brackish water.
Distribution
Widespread globally, particularly in continental freshwater habitats, with some marine species in specific families.
Diet
Most feed on floating detritus or plankton; Notostracans are omnivorous, feeding on algae, bacteria, and other small organisms as predators and scavengers.
Life Cycle
Life cycle varies by order; many exhibit cyclical parthenogenesis, where asexual reproduction is supplemented by sexual reproduction producing resting eggs.
Reproduction
Reproductive strategies can include asexual reproduction in some and sexual reproduction in others, often dependent on environmental conditions.
Predators
Commonly preyed upon by birds and fish, especially fairy shrimp.
Ecosystem Role
Play significant roles in aquatic ecosystems as both grazers and food sources for other animals; some also contribute to nutrient recycling in temporary pools.
Economic Impact
Some species are cultivated for fish food; non-native water flea species can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Collecting Methods
- Netting in freshwater habitats
- Sample collection using plankton nets
Preservation Methods
- Fixation in formaldehyde
- Preserved in ethanol
- Freeze-drying for museum specimens
Evolution
Fossil records extend back to the Upper Cambrian; considered monophyletic with evolution tied to adaptations for living in temporary aquatic habitats.
Misconceptions
Often grouped broadly as water fleas; actual diversity and ecological roles are much more complex than suggested by the common name.
Tags
- Branchiopoda
- crustaceans
- freshwater
- plankton
- ecosystem roles