Rotifera

Rotifera is a group of tiny, wheel-like aquatic animals found in freshwater environments, moist soil, and sometimes in marine settings. They are usually less than a millimeter long and play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems by helping break down organic material and serving as food for larger animals. Rotifers have a specialized ciliated structure called a corona that spins like a wheel to create water currents, aiding in feeding and movement. They reproduce mainly through parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction), allowing rapid population growth, especially in favorable conditions. Rotifers are important indicators of environmental health and water quality.