statoblast

biology

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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A statoblast is a bud found in freshwater bryozoans that overwinters within a protective, chitinous casing. In the spring, this bud develops into a new individual bryozoan. This biological process is a form of asexual reproduction, allowing these small aquatic invertebrates to survive harsh conditions and colonize new areas. The term "statoblast" is also sometimes used interchangeably with "gemmule," which refers to similar overwintering buds in sponges.1

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dormancy
Invertebrates
…bryozoans develop disklike buds, or statoblasts, that are surrounded by a hard, chitinous (horny) shell. These statoblasts are the dormant structures that survive when the bryozoan dies in the fall or during a drought; they form a new bryozoan colony when favourable environmental conditions again prevail.
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…bryozoans develop disklike buds, or statoblasts, that are surrounded by a hard, chitinous (horny) shell. These statoblasts are the dormant structures that survive when the bryozoan dies in the fall or during a drought; they form a new bryozoan colony when favourable environmental conditions again prevail.
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moss animal
Reproduction
As it grows, each statoblast is surrounded by a hard protective case that may also include an air-filled float and slender, hooked spines. Statoblasts usually develop in late summer and are liberated as the colony disintegrates with the approach of winter. Statoblasts survive dry and freezing conditions and can…
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As it grows, each statoblast is surrounded by a hard protective case that may also include an air-filled float and slender, hooked spines. Statoblasts usually develop in late summer and are liberated as the colony disintegrates with the approach of winter. Statoblasts survive dry and freezing conditions and can…
Read More