What is an Ostracod?
Q: What is an Ostracod?
A: An Ostracod is a type of crustacean that is often referred to as a seed shrimp due to its appearance.
Q: How many species of Ostracods have been identified?
A: Approximately 65,000 species (13,000 of which are living) have been identified.
Q: What is the size range for an Ostracod?
A: The size range for an Ostracod can vary from 0.2 millimetres (0.0079 in) to 30 mm (1.2 in).
Q: Where do marine ostracods live?
A: Marine ostracods typically live in the zooplankton or on or in the upper layer of the sea floor.
Q: Are there any terrestrial species of ostracods?
A: Yes, there are some terrestrial species of Mesocypris that are known from humid forest soils in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.
Q: What types of diets do ostracods have? A: Ostracods have a wide range of diets and include carnivores, herbivores, scavengers and filter feeders.
Q: How are ostracod taxa classified? A: Ostracod taxa are grouped into classes based on their gross morphology (what they look like).
