Marine Invertebrates: Their Roles in Ecosystems

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is a common effect of hookworms on their hosts?

Boosted immune system

Obstruction of intestines

Enhanced nutrient absorption

Induction of anemia (correct)

What is unique about the feeding style of rotifers?

They use their cilia to snag large prey

They use their shells to crush their food

They use their cilia to filter small organisms (correct)

They use their teeth to chew their food

What is a key role of rotifers in their ecosystems?

Consumers of algae and bacteria (correct)

Producers of aquatic plants

Predators of small fish

Decomposers of organic matter

What is a characteristic of some rotifer species?

They are capable of cloning themselves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mollusk?

Squid Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between roundworms and flatworms?

Body shape Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of flatworms?

They are soft-bodied invertebrates with a flat shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of free-living flatworms in freshwater environments?

They are predators and scavengers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disease caused by parasitic flatworms?

Schistosomiasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of free-living roundworms in soil ecosystems?

They decompose deceased plants and animals Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans?

As a model organism in scientific studies Signup and view all the answers

What is a common issue caused by parasitic roundworms?

Malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

What role do segmented worms, such as earthworms, play in maintaining healthy soil?

Decomposing dead plants and animals, enhancing soil fertility, and aerating the soil Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of gastropods in ecosystems?

Decomposing dead plants and recycling nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of cephalopods?

Ability to change color for communication and camouflage purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of polychaetes, such as bristle worms, in the ocean?

Aerating the ocean floor and recycling nutrients by burrowing through sediment Signup and view all the answers

What is a medical application of leeches?

Preventing blood clots and enhancing circulation in healing tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of bivalves, such as clams and oysters, in aquatic ecosystems?

Filtering small particles from the water Signup and view all the answers