Overview
Nematoda, or roundworms, are a diverse group of unsegmented worms that inhabit various environments, including soil, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. They play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, soil health, and can be both beneficial and harmful to plants and animals. Understanding nematodes is e...
Key Terms
Example: Nematodes can be found in soil, freshwater, and marine environments.
Example: Forests, deserts, and oceans are examples of ecosystems.
Example: Some nematodes are parasites that infect plants and animals.
Example: Nematodes help decompose organic matter in soil.
Example: Some nematodes form symbiotic relationships with fungi.
Example: Nematodes have distinct egg, larval, and adult stages in their life cycle.
Related Topics
Annelida
Annelida includes segmented worms like earthworms, which have different body structures and ecological roles compared to nematodes.
intermediatePlatyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes, or flatworms, are another group of invertebrates with distinct characteristics and life cycles.
intermediateEcology
Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environments, including the roles of nematodes.
advancedKey Concepts
Body structureLife cycleEcological rolesHuman impact