In some species of ectoprocts the colony is encased in a __________ ________ (lophophores extend through the pores)
hard exoskeleton
In some species of ectoprocts, the colony is encased in a protective encrusting or branching structure called a zoarium. The zoarium serves as a framework for the individuals or zooids, and each zooid has a lophophore, which is a ring of ciliated tentacles that extend out through pores in the zoarium. The lophophore is used for feeding and respiration, and ectoprocts use it to filter small particles from the surrounding water. The zoarium can vary in shape and size, depending on the species, and can be composed of chitin, calcium carbonate, or other materials.
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