Ascaris lumbricoides - The round worm
Nematodes are called roundworms because their bodies are long, cylindrical, and tapered at each end. Unlike the earthworms in your lawn, nematodes lack segmented bodies. Most members of this large group are tiny. Some eat plants, animals, or dead material, while others lead a parasitic lifestyle. Their mouthparts provide clues as to how they feed. Roundworms with long, narrow mouths most likely eat dead matter, while predators have hard, teeth-like mouthparts. Plant parasites use sharp, piercing mouthparts to puncture and suck out the contents of cells, while animal parasites have complex hooks and suckers to keep them attached to their host. These parasites harm their host by stealing valuable fluids that require energy to replace. Over 20 freshwater Arctic species have been described, including species belonging to the genera Neomesomermis and Paractinolaimus. Paramononchus arcticus is a predatory freshwater nematode, as indicated by the sharp tooth present in its mouth cavity.
Most nematodes have drought-resistant stages, usually as juveniles, in which the roundworm becomes inactive. If a steady supply of food and oxygen becomes unavailable, the quickest defence is to dry up until conditions improve. These drought-resistant stages are the primary means of dispersal for nematodes
Most nematodes have drought-resistant stages, usually as juveniles, in which the roundworm becomes inactive. If a steady supply of food and oxygen becomes unavailable, the quickest defence is to dry up until conditions improve. These drought-resistant stages are the primary means of dispersal for nematodes
Roundworms have no skeleton