Odontostomatida

(invertebrate zoology) An order of the protozoan subclass Spirotrichia; individuals are compressed laterally and possess very little ciliature.

An order of the Spirotrichia which represents a minor group of small, bizarre-looking protozoan species. The odontostomes are compressed laterally and possess very little ciliature. Even the adoral zone of membranelles is reduced in prominence. These ciliates are found in sewage disposal environs and other fresh- or salt-water habitats which have a very low oxygen content. See also Ciliophora; Spirotrichia.

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