Filter feeder
Filter feeder
A filter feeder (pronounced: /ˈfɪltər ˈfiːdər/) is an animal that feeds by straining suspended matter and food particles from water, typically by passing the water over a specialized filtering structure.
Etymology
The term "filter feeder" comes from the method of feeding, where the animal filters the food out of the water. The term was first used in the early 20th century.
Types of filter feeders
There are several types of filter feeders, each with their own unique filtering structures and feeding methods. These include:
- Baleen whales: These large marine mammals use baleen plates in their mouths to filter out small organisms from the water.
- Sponges: These simple animals filter water through tiny pores in their bodies, trapping food particles as the water passes through.
- Bivalves: This group of mollusks, which includes oysters and mussels, filter feed by drawing water in through their gills, where food particles are trapped and then transported to the mouth.
- Flamingos: These birds filter feed by pumping water in and out of their beaks, trapping small organisms in their specialized beak structure.
Related terms
- Suspension feeder: This is a broader term that includes all animals that feed on particles suspended in water, including both filter feeders and animals that actively capture their food.
- Deposit feeder: These animals feed on organic matter found in or on the substrate, rather than filtering it out of the water.
- Detritivore: These animals feed on detritus, or dead organic material, which can include both plant and animal matter.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Filter feeder
- Wikipedia's article - Filter feeder
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