What is the primary function of the lophophore in lophophorates?

The primary function of the lophophore in lophophorates is feeding. The lophophore is a specialized feeding structure that comprises a set of ciliated tentacles arranged in a circular or horseshoe shape. These tentacles are covered in cilia, which create water currents to help capture and transport food particles, primarily plankton and organic detritus, toward the mouth.

In lophophorates—the group that includes bryozoans, brachiopods, and phoronids—the efficient feeding mechanism provided by the lophophore enables these organisms to filter feed effectively in their aquatic environments. The lophophore also plays a secondary role in respiration by facilitating gas exchange through the surface area of the tentacles, but its main purpose remains that of feeding.