An routine summer morning in Oklahoma became a sensation when anglers wandering along McGee Creek spotted something unusual: translucent sacs like eggs with hard shells hung from tree roots right in the water. Some were the size of a soccer ball and appeared to be moving within. However, scientists raced to reassure the frightened public. The mystery sacs contained ancient animals known as bryozoans, rather than eggs or aliens.
These small invertebrates have been on Earth for hundreds of millions of years, long before dinosaurs existed. Bryozoans are colony organisms, with each individual known as a zooid. They dwell in gelatinous clusters encased by a hard shell and function as one organism. They have neither heart or lungs but have an incredible ability to detect stimuli and purify water. Surprisingly, these clusters have landed on lakeside tree roots.
Scientists noted that the reservoir has become an excellent environment for them, with clean water, a comfortable temperature, and enough of food. Bryozoans feed on microscopic algae and bacteria, which filter and improve the water’s quality. These organisms are hermaphrodites, meaning they have male and female reproductive organs and can clone themselves.
Under favorable conditions, they release special cells known as statoblasts, which proliferate into new colonies. True survival experts. Researchers concluded that the presence of bryozoans is a positive sign. They are sensitive to contamination, therefore their presence suggests that the lake’s ecosystem is in good shape.