Phylum Nematoda Roundworms
Phylum Nematoda Common Name: Round Worms Unsegmented worms Body Form: Pseudocoelom ("false coelom”) body cavity contains organs Digestive tract with 2 openings: mouth & anus
Feeding Free-living - predators Parasites - humans and animals Reproduction: Sexual reproduction, Separate sexes (male & female)
Roundworms & Disease Trichinosis (trichinella worm) cysts within the muscles are consumed (undercooked food) worm grows in intestines forms cysts in the muscles of the new host symptom: terrible pain in muscles
Filarial Worms - found in Tropical regions of Asia -- usually transmitted by mosquitoes -- causes elephantiasis
Ascarid Worms (common roundworm) - lives in intestines - eggs are passed out in the feces Most roundworms infect dogs, but occasionally they find their way into human hosts
Hookworms - burrow into the skin from soil - mature in the intestines -hooks used to attach and suck blood
Research on C. elegans first organism to have DNA completely sequenced It is a very simple, free living roundworm