Coe. 20 Polyzoa(Bryozoans/ Moss Animals)

 

Phylum: Bryozoa

 

Description

            Polyzoa is a phylum of aquatic invertebrate animals commonly referred to as "moss animals" due to their colony-forming growth habit, which can resemble moss or lichen. They are filter-feeding animals that live in marine and freshwater environments. Bryozoans form colonies of tiny individuals called zooids, which are often encased in a protective exoskeleton or "box." These colonies can take various forms, including branching, encrusting, or bush-like structures. Bryozoans are an important part of aquatic ecosystems, contributing to filter-feeding and providing habitat for other marine life.

IUCN Status: Not evaluated