- mostly predators, some also eat algea, fungi and bacteria
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Roundworms within the phylum Nematoda have structures and functions very similar to flatworms in the phylum Platyhelminthes, except:
- most are free-living - many can move from free-living in open-environment to host - lack any flame cells and cilia - pseudocoelem - only reproduce sexually - each individual as one single gender |
Common types of Nematoda: |
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Filarial Worms :
- parasitic, thread-like roundworms that live in the blood of birds and mammals - block the passage of fluids and cause elephantitus |
Ascarid Worms :
- roundworms that absorb digested food from its host's small intestine - cause severe malnutrition - eggs swallowed |
Hookworms :
- suck blood from lungs & intestines and after burrowing into the bloodstream through the skin (mostly the feet) |