noun
- A bryozoan animal of the phylum Ectoprocta, characterized by a lophophore (a ring of tentacles) located outside the mouth.
Usage: zoology; also called Bryozoa or bryozoan
Examples
- Ectoprocts are colonial marine animals that form intricate branching structures on rocks and seaweed.
- The ectoproct uses its lophophore to filter food particles from the water.
- Scientists study ectoprocts to understand the evolution of early animal body plans.
- Many ectoproct species are found in shallow coastal waters around the world.