nematode, also called roundworm, any worm of the phylum Nematoda. Nematodes are among the most abundant animals on Earth.
What makes a roundworm a nematode?
Roundworms (nematodes) are bilaterally symmetrical, worm-like organisms that are surrounded by a strong, flexible noncellular layer called a cuticle. Their body plan is simple. The cuticle is secreted by and covers a layer of epidermal cells.
What is the difference between worms and nematodes?
Most worms have two bands of muscles: longitudinal muscles that run the length of the body and circular muscles that form circular bands around the body. Unlike other worms that have two bands of muscles, nematodes only have longitudinal muscles.
What are the characteristics of nematodes the intestinal roundworms?
Nematodes (roundworms) have elongated, bilaterally long cylindrical bodies which contain an intestinal system and a large body cavity. Parasitic nematodes vary in length from several millimetres to approximately 2 metres and have larval stages and adult worms of both sexes.
What are 3 types of nematodes?
The most common genera are Aphelenchoides (foliar nematodes), Ditylenchus, Globodera (potato cyst nematodes), Heterodera (soybean cyst nematodes), Longidorus, Meloidogyne (root-knot nematodes), Nacobbus, Pratylenchus (lesion nematodes), Trichodorus, and Xiphinema (dagger nematodes).
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