Akanksha Soni, Academic Content Writer at Edumarz
Phylum Aschelminthes:-
Because the bodies of aschelminthes are circular in cross-section, they are referred to as roundworms. It is also referred to as threadworms, bagworms, or nematodes.
Aschelminthes are aquatic or terrestrial, either free-living or parasitic in plants and animals.
The body organization of aschelminthes is at the organ-system level.
Aschelminthes are animals that are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic, and pseudocoelomate.
The body wall is tubular tapering at both ends and is covered with a thin cuticle.
The alimentary canal is complete with a well-developed muscular pharynx which helps in sucking food from the host.
There is no cardiovascular or respiratory system.
A nervous system is present.
The sexes are separate, that is, males and females are distinct. This is known as dioecious.
Females are longer than males.
Internal fertilization takes place and development may be direct or indirect.
Examples of Aschelminthes are Ascaris (Roundworm), Wuchereria (Filarial worm), Ancylostoma (Hookworm).
Fig:- Aschelminthes (Roundworms)