Lophophore

Freshwater bryozoan with lophophore extended
A brachidium (coiled structure), supporting the lophophore (feeding organ), visible between the valves of the Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian) brachiopod Spiriferina rostrata (35 x 30 mm)
An extinct lophophorate: a Devonian microconchid (Potter Farm Formation, Alpena, Michigan)

The lophophore (/ˈlɒfəˌfɔːr, ˈlfə-/)[1] is a characteristic feeding organ possessed by four major groups of animals: the Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, Hyolitha, and Phoronida, which collectively constitute the protostome group Lophophorata.[2] All lophophores are found in aquatic organisms.

  1. ^ "lophophore". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d.
  2. ^ Introduction to the Lophotrochozoa – Retrieved 3 May 2010