What are nematodes: characteristics, classification and examples

Commonly known as Round wormsthe nematodes (from the Greek nematoda) are one of the great taxonomic philos in which they are classified The invertebrates of the animal kingdom or animal.

Generally, nematodes are known for their infection capacity and cause of diseasesboth in plants and animals, being responsible for the loss of crops and ornamental plants, as well as gastrointestinal infectious diseases in humans and other animals (mammals and fish, mainly). In this way, nematodes are considered one of the phytopathogens and parasites more widespread in any corner of the planet.

If you want to know other invertebrate animals: examples and characteristics, do not hesitate to consult the following Ecology article see that we recommend you.

Now that we have seen what nematodes are, let’s see which are the main characteristics of nematodes that stand out:

• Diversity of habitats: They live both freely in arid and humid soils, in fresh and salted water habitats, as well as parasitating plants and animals that feed.
• Varied size: From a few millimeters to more than half a meter.
• Round and elongated body: cylindrical and without segments. Its symmetry is bilateral.
• Various structures in the mouth: This opening of the nematodes has different structures that allow them to join tissues and obtain food, such as teeth, plates and even oral hooks.
• Resistant exterior surface: since they have a cuticle and several muscle layers.
• Various food strategies: Nematodes have developed different strategies, such as the aspiration for blood ingestion, absorption of destroyed tissues, as well as intestinal content and nutrients present in different body fluids (in animals) or sap (in plants).
• Sexual and/or asexual reproduction: The reproduction of nematodes can be both sexual and asexual, by partenogenesis, fragmentation or embryogenesis. According to environmental and survival conditions in which adults are, they will opt for a reproductive method and another. Do not hesitate to take a look at this ecology article see on asexual reproduction: what is, types and examples.

We have already seen that the characteristics of a nematode are very diverse, so we will see how they are classified.

The edge of nematodes include some 25,000 species. These invertebrate animals have evolved throughout their biological history with the aim of adapting to new guests to parasitize, both within the kingdom of animals and that of plants.

For the classification of nematodesthe most used classic method is based on morphological criteria, which allow the following classes and subclasses within the edge:

Adenophorea class

Within the adenophorea class of the nematodes, we can meet the next two subclasses:

• Anger (subclass angry).
• Chromadorians (chromadoria subclass).

Secernant class

The classification of the nematodes within the ceremony class would remain as follows:

• Rabdítidos (subclass rhabditia).
• Senephrenic (Spiruria subclass).
• Diplogasteries (Diplogasterid subclass).

In the next section, we will know more closely the world of nematodes with specific examples of common species.

Next, we present a List of examples of nematode speciesboth species and genera that are commonly known in many cases for the disease or symptoms they cause:

Examples of animal parasitic nematodes

Now that we know what are the characteristics of the nematodes and their main classification, we will see some examples of animal parasitic nematodes.

• Intestinal worm (Ascaris lumbricoides).
• Anylostomiasis nematode (gender Ancylostoma).
• Tricocephalic or whip worm (Trichuris Trichiura).
• Anchilostomiasis nematode (Duodenale acylostoma).
• American necantor (Necator Americanus).
• Nematode of stongioloidiasis (Strongyloides Stercoralis).
• Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis).
• Anisakiasis nematode (genre Anisaki).
• Oxiuros (Enterobius vermicularis).
• Trichinas (Trichinella Spiralis).
• Filariasis Nematode (Spirurida Order).
  

Examples of plant parasitic nematodes

Now that we know what are the characteristics of the nematodes and their main classification, we will see some examples of plants parasitic nematodes.

• Potato root nematode (Global genre).
• Migrant ectoparasite nematode (Xiphinema gender).
• Nemmatodes Inductor AGALLAS (genus Meloidogyne).
• Enquistados Nematodes (Heterodeter fici).
• Spiral nematode (genus Helicotylenchus).
• Root knot nematode (Meloidogyne genus).
• Radical lesion nematode (genus Pratylenchus).
• BARRENOR NEMATODE (Radopholus similis).
• Nematode of the sheet (gender Aphelenchoides).
• Pudry nematode (DITYLENCHUS Destroyer).

Below you can see images of some of these examples of nematodes in order of mention.

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