Roundworms, also known in biology as nematodes, belong to a group of parasites that are recognized as free-moving. Scientists have long proven that they are the primary type of the molting species. In the animal kingdom, nematodes are considered one of the most diverse groups.
Different kinds
A huge variety of nematodes live in both soil and water. Their important role in the functioning of ecosystems is known. There are similarities and differences between different types of roundworms, each of which has its own special place in nature. The main ones include: human roundworm, pinworm, human whipworm, hookhead, necator, intestinal acne, trichinella and guinea worm.
Similarities and differences of roundworms of different species
Nematodes are similar in both internal and external structure:
- bilateral symmetry;
- all types of nematodes are three-layer animals;
- roundworms are multicellular animals;
- they have a non-segmented body;
- all nematodes move in the same way in space;
- the body cover consists of longitudinal muscles, a single-layer epithelium and a dense cuticle;
- also parasites have the same type of digestive tract, which is through with the anus.
As you can see, there are many similarities between different types of roundworms. Although nematodes have differences, they are few:
- Some kinds of three-layered animals prefer free habitat;
- some types of worms can only exist in another organism - they are parasites (an example would be roundworms).
Roundworms and flatworms
It is worth noting the similarities and differences between roundworms of different species and flat invertebrates.
Their similarities:
- both types of worms can be parasites in the internal organs of animals;
- neither round nor flat parasites have a respiratory and circulatory system;
- they can reproduce with both eggs and larvae;
- worms have an epithelium, on the surface of which muscle fibers are located;
- they have much in common in the structure of the nervous system.
These parasites have a fairly large number of important similarities, the differences between worms of different species and thin invertebrates are no less significant.
Their differences:
- the main difference between these two types is the method of reproduction, because roundworms are gendered, and flatare classified as hermaphrodites;
- also parasites have different body shapes;
- they have different types of digestion;
- flatworms and nematodes have different muscle systems and number of species.
