Final answer:
Bdelloid rotifers survive harsh conditions through parthenogenesis, genetic borrowing, sophisticated anatomy that aids in feeding and movement, and the ability to enter dormancy during unfavorable environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bdelloid rotifers, intriguing members of Phylum Rotifera, have developed remarkable strategies to endure harsh conditions. Unlike many organisms that utilize a mix of sexual reproduction, bdelloid rotifers reproduce through parthenogenesis, where all offspring are genetically female. This mode of reproduction has prevailed for millions of years. However, these rotifers exhibit a unique form of genetic diversity by acquiring up to 10% of their genome from other species' DNA, mitigating the potential drawbacks of their reproductive isolation.
In terms of their anatomy, rotifers have a sophisticated three-section body: head, trunk, and foot, helping them adapt to varying environments. They display both skeletal and visceral muscles, with certain species capable of secreting a sticky substance to anchor themselves, lending to their resilience. Moreover, some rotifer eggs can enter extended dormancy, shielding the species during unfavorable environmental conditions similar to how organisms like Halobacterium survive in extreme habitats by utilizing unique adaptations to maintain viability.
From a nutritional perspective, rotifers play an essential role in aquactic ecosystems as filter feeders. Their diet consists of dead material, algae, and microscopic organisms. Their complex digestive system, starting with the '[rotifer feeding] jaws' of the mastax and ending with the cloacal bladder for waste excretion, is crucial for their survival in diverse habitats.