Date post: | 05-Jan-2016 |
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The Nematoda(round worms)
Major Characteristics
• Animal Characteristics
• Cylinderical and bilateral
• Triploblastic• Pseudocoelomate• Complete digestive
system• Tough cuticle
Body Plan
• Nematodes are composed of an ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm making them triploblastic
• They contain a false cavity because it is located between the endoderm and mesoderm
Movement
• Round worms contain longitudinal muscle that run parallel to the anterior/posterior axis
• Contraction and relaxation of muscles on opposites sides of the animal create the characteristic whip like serpentine movement
Feeding
• The nematode have a complete digestive system with a mouth and anus
• One way travel of nutrient allows for divergence and specialization of digestive function along the digestive tract
Parasites
• Nematode parasites reproduce at a high rate, an enzyme resistant cuticle and eggs, with encysted larvae
• They include intestinal worms, the pork worm (trichinosis), and filarial worms (elephantiasis)