There are over 10 phyla of worms.
That's a lot of worms. Here are three of the major worm phyla and their defining characteristics:
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- First, Phylum Annelida consists of segmented worms. Each segment has parts of body systems such as the circulatory, excretory, and nervous systems. Annelids have a digestive tract and a definite head and tail. They can live on land or in the sea and examples include the earthworm and leech.
- Next, Phylum Nematoda consists of round worms. Most of these worms are parasitic. They have a complete digestive system, but no circulatory or respiratory systems. Nematodes are tapered at both ends and can live on land or in the sea. Examples include the pinworm and the hookworm.
- Finally, Phylum Platyhelminthes consists of flat worms. These have bilateral symmetry and have a definite head and tail. They do not have circulatory or respiratory systems. The free-living flatworms have one digestive opening, while the parasitic flatworms do not. Examples include the tapeworm, fluke, and planarian (planaria are the worms that have eye spots).
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