Bryozoa 3:
Twig-like Forms
Phylum Bryozoa Meekopora
While this form is often called “branching,” there may be no branches. The colony grows up from the sea floor. Many of the twig-like forms in this area have their outer covering worn away, as in this photo. This permits a view of the internal structure. There are long tubes (the zooecia) that grow out from the center of the twig. As the colony grew, each individual bryozoan lengthened its tube outward, often forming tiny platforms to support its body in the tube.