A mature gastrotrich, with visible cells on the surface. Further growth will now occur solely by cell enlargement.

Eutelic organisms have a fixed number of cells when they reach maturity, the exact number being constant for any one species. Development proceeds by cell division until maturity; further growth occurs via cell enlargement only.

Most eutelic organisms are microscopic: examples include the rotifers, nematodes, tardigrades and dicyemida.

[edit] External links

• Listing of Eutelic animals and other Eutelic websites

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