Title: Nematodes - Phylum Examples, Classification and Characteristics
Headings: Nematodes
Phylum Examples, Classification and Characteristics

Nematodes
Phylum Examples, Classification and Characteristics
Definition - What are Nematodes?
Classification
Classes of Phylum Nematoda
Class Rhabditea
Parasitic Rhabditea
Free-Living Nematodes in Class Rhabditea
General Characteristics of Rhabditea
Class Enoplea
Trichuris Trichula
Some Characteristics of Enopleans
Class Chromadorea
Characteristics
General Characteristics of Nematodes
Benefits/Importance of Nematodes
References
Links

Content: Ascarids
Filarias
Whipworms
Adenophorea
Enoplea
Some of the general characteristics of roundworms include: A round cross section
Elongated body
They are very small and can be microscopic. However, some can measure up to one meter long. They reproduce sexually (separate sexes)
Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Like many other organisms in kingdom Animalia (also referred to as metazoa) nematodes are eukaryotic, multicellular organisms that obtain nutrients from organic sources. Phylum - Nematoda
Nematodes/roundworms make up the phylum Nematoda. This phylum is composed of organisms with the following characteristics: Thin and elongated (hair-like)
Tubular in appearance
Majority are microscopic while a few can be viewed with the naked eye. However, Placentonema gigantissima, a nematode that infects sperm whales has been shown to grow up to 9 meters (30 ft) in length
Head and tail are not visually distinct
They have a cuticle
They have a nervous system that controls the muscle cells
Classes of Phylum Nematoda
Nematodes are further divided into three major classes and subclasses that possess several different characteristics including: Class Rhabditea
Ancylostoma caninum attached to the intestinal mucosa,Source: CDC's [http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp Public Health Image Library] Image #5205 |Source=Originally from [http://en.wikipedia.org
Class Rhabditea is composed of both parasitic and free-living nematodes.