Tentacles catch tiny particles: bryozoans

Members of bryozoan colonies capture tiny plants and animals to feed on by thrusting feathery tentacles into the current.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Develop systems for removing particulates from piped streams of water or air without using filter screens that could become clogged and impede flow.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The individuals of the bryozoan colony, called zooids, are about one-sixteenth of an inch in length and consist of little more than a digestive system encased within a compartment of leathery or calcified skeleton. The zooids feed through a trapdoor that opens to the outside. By thrusting feathery tentacles into the current, they sweep tiny plants and animals into their open mouths with a quick, flicking motion." (Winston 1990:70)

About the inspiring organism

Phylactolaemata
Phylactolaemata

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Develop systems for removing particulates from piped streams of water or air without using filter screens that could become clogged and impede flow.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Wastewater and air emissions treatment

Experts

Marine Biology
Judith E. Winston
Virginia Museum of Natural History

References

Winston, Judith E. 1990. Life in Antarctic depths. (Cover story). Natural History. 99(9): 70.

Tentacles catch tiny particles: bryozoans

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