What is "gymnolaemata"

Gymnolaema \Gym`no*l[ae]"ma\ (j[i^]m`n[-o]*l[=e]"m[.a]), Gymnolaemata \Gym`no*l[ae]"ma*ta\ (j[i^]m`n[-o]*m[.a]*t[.a]), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. gymno`s naked + laimo`s the throat.] (Zo["o]l.) An order of Bryozoa, having no epistome.

Gymnolaemata are a class Bryozoans. Gymnolaemata typically live under seawater and grow on surfaces of rocks, kelps, and in some cases on animal species, like fish. They are mostly marine bryozoans with cylindrical or flattened zooids. The lophophore is protruded by action of muscles pulling on the frontal wall. This order includes the majority of living bryozoan species.

Category:Bryozoans