| There are about five-thousand living species, twice that in fossil species, the Bryozoa remain largely unknown to most people. Bryozoans are moss like animals aquaticorganisms living for the most part in clusters. Millions form one colony Some bryozoans live amung rocky surfaces and shells. Others form fan-like colonies. Bryozoan colonies can differ greatly in size, but the Bryozoa that make up the colonies are very, very, very small. Colonies may be mistaken for corals, or seaweed. Bryozoans are considered nuisances becouse they are known to grow on the bottoms of ships, causing drag. Bryozoans may also grow pilings, piers, and dock legs. Bryozoan are used to make the drug Bryostatin 1, is currently under serious testing as an anti-cancer drug. |
