Phylum Nematoda (Roundworms)

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following ecological roles is associated with nematodes?

  • Primary producers in aquatic ecosystems
  • Parasitic agents in animal hosts
  • Both B and C (correct)
  • Decomposers of organic matter in soil

Nematodes possess a body cavity known as a coelom, which is fully lined with mesodermal tissue.

False (B)

What is the primary mechanism for circulation in nematodes?

  • Diffusion through the body tissues (correct)
  • An open circulatory system with hemolymph
  • Specialized respiratory pigments
  • A closed circulatory system with vessels and a heart

In Ascaris lumbricoides, the infective stage occurs when fertilized eggs develop into _______.

<p>larva</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components of the Ascaris digestive system with their functions:

<p>Mouth = Entry point for food Intestine = Primary site for nutrient absorption Anus = Elimination of waste products</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Ascaris larvae migrating to the lungs in a host?

<p>To facilitate further maturation and subsequent migration to the throat for ingestion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All species of nematodes are parasitic, relying on a host organism for survival and reproduction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the lack of a specialized respiratory system in nematodes is compensated for by their body structure and lifestyle.

<p>Nematodes compensate for the lack of a specialized respiratory system through their small size and high surface area-to-volume ratio, which facilitates gas exchange via diffusion. They also have a low metabolic rate, reducing their oxygen demand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main route of transmission for Trichinella to humans?

<p>Ingestion of undercooked meat containing Trichinella larvae (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary adaptation allowed parasitic worms to thrive in environments with less competition?

<p>The ability to exploit a host's resources and evade immune responses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Phylum Nematoda

Roundworms belong to this phylum.

Bilateral Symmetry

Having a body plan in which the left and right sides are mirror images.

Nematode Ecological Roles

The ecological role of Nematodes can be...

Body organization

The mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm.

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Pseudocoelom

A body cavity that is not completely lined by mesoderm.

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Nematode Digestion

A complete digestive system consisting of a mouth and an anus.

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Dioecious

Having separate sexes; male and female individuals exist.

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Nematode Circulation

The diffusion of oxygen into cells for respiration.

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Nematode Habitat

Nematoda's habitat is...

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Trichinella

From undercooked pork which causes the disease Trichinosis.

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Study Notes

  • Roundworms belong to the Phylum Nematoda.
  • Examples of roundworms include Trichinella, hookworms, and nematodes.

Characteristics of Phylum Nematoda

  • Roundworms exhibit bilateral body symmetry.
  • They can be parasitic, serve as a food source, aerate soil, and break down material.
  • Roundworms have a 3-layered body organization consisting of endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.
  • Their body cavity is a pseudocoelom.
  • Roundworms have a complete digestive system featuring both a mouth and an anus, along with specialized organs.
  • Roundworms reproduce sexually and are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes; asexual reproduction is absent.
  • Circulation occurs through diffusion.
  • The nervous system is characterized by a brain, a ganglion, nerves and sensory organs.
  • Respiration happens through diffusion via the skin.
  • Excretion takes place through the anus and tubes.
  • Habitats include both hosts (intestine or blood) and soil.
  • Most roundworms are free-living and harmless; however, some are parasitic.
  • Trichinella, acquired from undercooked pork, causes the disease trichinosis.
  • Hookworms use hooks and sharp teeth to burrow into hosts.
  • Parasitic worms evolved to occupy environments with less competition.

Ascaris lumbricoides Life Cycle

  • Ascaris lumbricoides is a parasitic nematode and a small intestinal roundworm.
  • Ascaris worms are long, slender, and giant, with males being shorter than females.
  • Their body is smooth and unsegmented.
  • Infections begin in the small intestine of humans, where adult Ascaris worms release fertilized eggs.
  • Fertilized eggs mix with feces and are released into the environment.
  • Fertilized eggs develop further, becoming infective and transforming into larvae.
  • Embryonated eggs are expelled from the host through feces into the external environment.
  • They live freely in soil or water.
  • Hosts become infected by coming into contact with soil and water containing eggs or larvae, which then enter their stomach.
  • Eggs hatch within the host, and larvae invade the intestinal mucosa before circulating and migrating to the lungs.
  • In the lungs, larvae mature further over 10–14 days to penetrate the alveolar wall.
  • The matured larva then moves up the bronchial tree into the throat, is swallowed, and enters the stomach.
  • Returning to the small intestine, they complete their development into adult worms, which takes approximately 2–3 months.

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