Paleae

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As Paleae , eingedeutscht Paleen , singular palea ( latin palea " chaff ") are specialized bristles ( Chaetae ) on the cover ( operculum ) of tube worms , in particular sand coral designated (Sabellariidae). The bristles are combined to form combs or fans and are therefore suitable for filtering food particles from detritus or plankton (especially phytoplankton ) from the water . The sand corals, which mostly live on firm, rocky substrate, which also include the pumpworm and funnel worm native to the North Sea , also collect sand particles with the paleae that are thrown up by the ocean currents or the tides in order to remove them with the help of the slime ( Putty substance) of their cement glands to build the living tubes. In addition, the paleae also form the operculum with which the living tube is closed.

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