Phylum Nematoda

Question 1

Economic Importance Of Nematodes

In terms of feeding
In terms of soil activities
In terms of effects on the Earth
In terms of nutrient cycling
In terms of diseases

Answer 1

They feed on bacteria, fungi and other nematodes in the soil
They break down the soil to further aerate it
Some can be hazardous to the Earth
Free living forms are important in decomposition and nutrient cycling
They can cause variety of diseases & parasitize many crop plants and domesticated animals

Question 2

Examples Of Nematodes

Answer 2

Hookworm
Lungworm
Pinworm
Eelworm
Threadworm
Whipworm

Question 3

Amphids

Answer 3

The olfacto-sensory organs of Nematodes

Question 4

The phylum is divided into … classes;

In terms of shape and amphids

Answer 4

2 classes

Class Enoplea: Cylindrical/Bottle shaped with pocket-like amphids

Class Chromodorea: Bulbous shape with amphids shaped like slits, pores, coils or spirals

Question 5

Characteristics Of Phylum Nematoda

In terms of description & phylum
In terms of body structure & lifestyle
In terms of species & size
In terms of body description, species & individuals
In terms of habitat
In terms of digestion

Answer 5

Nematodes are unsegmented worms which belong to the Phylum Nematoda or Nemata
They are elongated cylindrical worms; parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in the soil
There are about 90,000 species ranging in sizes from less than 1.0mm to 1m
Bodies are cylindrical with tapered ends; and very numerous in both species and individuals
They are found in fresh water, marine, moist soil, tissues of plants and tissues and body fluids of animals
A complete digestive tract is present with pseudocoelomate

Question 6

Characteristics Of Phylum Nematoda

In terms of body covering
In terms of nerve cords
In terms of longitudinal muscles
In terms of sexes
In terms of reproduction & fertilization
In terms of egg production

Answer 6

A tough transparent cuticle forms the outer covering
The epidermis has dorsal and ventral nerve cords
Longitudinal muscles are present and provide for whip-like movements
They are dioecious with females larger than males
Sexual reproduction occurs only with internal fertilization
The female produce over 100,000 resistant eggs per day.