Annelida Polychaeta Quiz

Annelida: Polychaeta (Marine Worms)

• Characteristics:
  • Have multiple pairs of chitinous setae (chaetae)
  • Worm-like (vermiform) shape
  • Bodies are segmented (metamerism)
  • Outer body wall is flexible for movement
  • They secrete a protective outer cuticle
  • Have parapodia (used for swimming and movement in some species)
  • Have sensory tentacles and eyes on their heads.
• Lifestyle:
  • Some are active predators (errant)
  • Others live in tubes and filter particles (sedentary)
• Feeding:
  • Predators, scavengers, and suspension feeders.
  • Some species build protective tubes from materials like sand grains, mud, and calcium carbonate.
• Respiration:
  • Gas exchange occurs through their thin body wall.
• Excretion:
  • Waste is removed via nephridia (kidney-like structures).
• Locomotion:
  • Use peristaltic waves of muscle contractions
  • Some species use parapodia for swimming.

Annelida: Oligochaeta (Earthworms)

• Characteristics:
  • Lack parapodia
  • Fewer setae along the body
  • Simple head, no eyes or tentacles
• Lifestyle:
  • Primarily terrestrial or freshwater
  • Move using peristaltic waves of muscle contractions
• Reproduction:
  • Hermaphroditic, with external fertilization and cocoons
• Importance:
  • Improve soil aeration and nutrient mixing.

Annelida: Hirudinea (Leeches)

• Characteristics:
  • Posterior sucker for attachment
  • Lack setae
• Lifestyle:
  • Ectoparasites, feeding on the blood of vertebrates or invertebrates
  • Some species have jaws for making incisions
• Reproduction:
  • Hermaphroditic with internal fertilization
• Importance:
  • Used in medicine to improve blood flow and remove clots.

Test your knowledge on the Marine Worms known as Polychaeta. This quiz covers their characteristics, lifestyle, feeding habits, and unique features like parapodia and setae. Dive into the fascinating world of these segmented worms and see how well you understand their biology!