Bdelloid rotifer, SEM

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SS2646139

SS9807

Bdelloid rotifer. Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a rotifer (class Bdelloidea) from a pond. Rotifers (phylum Rotifera) are microscopic aquatic animals that are related to roundworms. Bdelloids are of interest because males are not present within the species, and females reproduce exclusively by parthenogenesis (without fertilization). Each individual has paired gonads. Despite the fact that they have been asexual for millions of years, they have diversified into more than 300 species and are fairly similar to other sexually-reproducing rotifer species. Magnification: x1000 when printed 10 centimeters wide.

Steve Gschmeissner / Science Source

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