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Zooplankton

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Annelida

Grube 1850

Taxonomy

Phylum Annelida
Class Polychaetea

Size

  • Variable.

Description

  • Approximately 9,000 species (almost all marine).
  • Polychaeta means 'many-bristled'.

Distinguishing characteristics

  • Well developed heads compared to other annelids.

Distribution

  • Widely distributed throughout the world.

Ecology

  • Can occur at the following pelagial stages:
    • Larval stages lasting a few hours to several weeks.
    • Modified swimming stages of mature males or females.
    • Totally transparent pelagic holoplanktonic species (e.g. Tomopteridae).
  • Enormous diversity of reproductive strategies.