Characteristics of Taxonomic Groups with Soil-inhabiting Forms
Characteristics of Phylum Annelida
Include:
- Polychaeta - sand worms, tube worms
- Oligochaeta - earthworms, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Enchytraeidae
Lumbricid Earthworm (Class Oligochaeta)
- Bilaterally symmetrical, segmented worms
- Intestine complete and regionally specialized
- Closed circulatory system
- Nervous system well developed; dorsal cerebral ganglion, ventral nerve
chord, circumenteric connectives
- Excretory system usually metanephridia, sometimes protonephridia
- Paired, segmentally arranged bundles of epidermal setae
- Head consists of a presegmental prostomium and peristomium
- Sexes separate or hermaphroditic
- Marine, freshwater and terrestrial species
The functional biology of earthworms
is an important component of the functioning of the soil
foodweb. They contribute to mineral and nutrient cycling, soil
structure, aeration, porosity, and the fragmentation and redistribution of
organic matter.
Enchytraeid (Class Oligochaeta)
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