The Roundworms 

(Phylum Nematoda)

Picture obtained through the Public Health Image Library.  Strongyloides

filariform larva. http://tolweb.org/tree?group=Nematoda&contgroup=Bilateria

"If all the matter in the universe except the nematodes were swept away, our world would still be dimly recognizable." -N.A. Cobb, 1914 

("Plant and Insect Parasitic Nematodes" 2004)

Evolution & Phylogenetic Relationships

Features Shared by Nematodes with Related Groups

Features Unique to Nematodes

World Distribution of Roundworms

Nematode Habitat Use

Energy/Modes of Nutrition

Ecological Roles of Nematodes

Impacts on Human Society

References Page

For more information about Nematodes, visit these sites....

• http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/inormation/Nematoda.html

        -this site provides the bare essentials as far as nematode background information is concerned.

• http://martin.parasitology.mcgill.ca/jimspage/biol/nema.htm 

        -this site goes gives some details about nematode structure and morphology, among other things.

• http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/phyla/ecdysozoa/nematode.html

        -this site contains useful information concerning phylogenetic relationships and nematode history.

• http://cas.bellarmine.edu/tietjen/images/phylum_nematoda.htm

        -this site has some very interesting pictures of nematodes, but beware of several graphic images.

Neil Christopher Jackson.  Biology 110: Biodiversity Project.  Penn State Fall 2004