Cephalotrocha

/ˌsɛfələˈtrɑkə/ noun

Definition

The larval stage of certain marine worms and mollusks characterized by a ring of cilia (hairlike structures) around the head region.

Etymology

From Greek 'kephale' (head) + 'trochos' (wheel). The name describes the wheel-like appearance of ciliated rings that propel these larvae through water.

Kelly Says

A cephalotrocha larva is like a tiny spinning top in the ocean—those ciliated rings actually look and function like wheels, spinning to create water currents that both move the larva and bring food particles into its mouth, an elegant solution to drifting through the sea.

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