Kids Research Express

. Gnathostomulid, group of microscopic marine worms that live between grains of sand in shallow ocean water. These invertebrates are able to live for long periods without oxygen (see Anaerobe ) and are common in stagnant bottom muck and black sand. More than 80 species of gnathostomulids have been described. Gnathostomulids resemble flatworms and were once classified in the same phylum. Like flatworms, gnathostomulids are bilaterally symmetrical (both sides of the body are identical along the midline) and have waving body cilia (tiny hairlike projections); they lack an anus and a coelom (internal body cavity) and are hermaphroditic (individuals have both male and female sex organs). Unlike flatworms, however, each epithelial (skin) cell in gnathostomulids has only one hairlike cilium. In addition there are significant differences in sperm structure between gnathostomulids and flatworms. Gnathostomulids are generally 0.5 to 1.0 mm (0.02 to 0.04 in) in length with a slight constriction ...

. Kinorhyncha or Echinodera -> Tiny worms with spiny bodies. An outer protective cuticle is segmented and articulated. Found in the muddy bottoms of coastal waters, they feed on microorganisms and organic particles by means of a sucking pharynx. Reproduction is sexual. Examples: Echinoderes, Condyloderes Nematoda -> Commonly known as roundworms, these animals are one of the most diverse and geographically widespread invertebrate phyla. Free-living roundworms inhabit freshwater and marine habitats, as well as soil. Parasitic roundworms prey on both plants and animals, causing widespread agricultural damage and disease. Roundworms have long, cylindrical bodies with a mouth surrounded by lips and sensory papillae or bristles. Fluid in the body cavity distributes nutrients and oxygen—roundworms do not have special respiratory or circulatory systems. Roundworms prey on other invertebrates as well as diatoms, algae, and fungi. They reproduce sexually and larvae undergo at least four ...