Editing Gastrotrich (section)

==Behaviour and ecology==
In marine and freshwater environments, gastrotrichs form part of the [[benthos|benthic community]]. They are [[detritivore]]s and are microphagous: they feed by sucking small dead or living organic materials, [[diatoms]], [[bacteria]] and small protozoa into their mouths by the muscular action of the pharynx. They are themselves eaten by [[turbellaria]]ns and other small [[macrofauna]].<ref name=Todaro>{{cite web |url=http://www.gastrotricha.unimore.it/overview.htm |title=Gastrotricha |author=Todaro, M. A. |date=2014-01-03 |access-date=2014-01-23}}</ref>

Like many microscopic animals, gastrotrich locomotion is primarily powered by [[hydrostatics]], but movement occurs through different methods in different members of the group. Chaetonotids only have adhesive glands at the back and, in them, locomotion typically proceeds in a smooth gliding manner; the whole body is propelled forward by the rhythmic action of the cilia on the ventral surface. In the [[pelagic]] chaetonotid genus ''[[Stylochaeta]]'', however, movement proceeds in jerks as the long, muscle-activated spines are forced rhythmically towards the side of the body. By contrast, with chaetonotids, macrodasyidans typically have multiple adhesive glands and move forward with a creeping action similar to that of a [[Geometer moth#Caterpillars|"looper" caterpillar]]. In response to a threat, the head and trunk can be rapidly pulled backwards, or the creeping movement can be reversed. Muscular action is important when the animal turns sideways and during copulation, when two individuals twine around each other.<ref name=Ruppert/>