Phylum Nemertea
Members of the phylum Nemertea are called ribbon worms or proboscis (FIGURE 29.17). Their phylogenetic position is presently being debated, although molecular systematic support anatomical evidence that they are related to the protostome lineage. A ribbon worm’s body is structurally acoelomate, like that of the flatworm, but it contains a small fluid-filled sac that is used to hydraulically operate an extensible proboscis by which the worm captures prey. Zoologists do not yet agree on whether this sac is a true coelom. Thus, the position of Nemertea in the phylogenetic tree of FIGURE 29.1 is uncertain, but the phylum is discussed here to highlight comparison with Platyhelminthes.
Proboscis worms range in length from less than 1 mm to more than 30 m. Nearly all of the 900 or so members of this phylum are marine, but a few species inhabit fresh water or damp soil. Some are active swimmers, and other burrow in the sand.
Proboscis worms probably evolved from flatworms. The two phyla have similar excretory, sensory, and nervous systems. But, in addition to the unique proboscis apparatus, two anatomical features not found in flatworms have evolved in the phylum Nemertea: a simple blood vascular system (circulatory system) and a complete digestive tract-that is, a digestive tube with a separate mouth and anus. The circulatory system consists of vessels through which blood flows, and some species have red blood cells containing a from of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen. Proboscis worms have no heart, but muscles squeeze the vessels to propel the blood. A digestive tube and a blood vascular system are features nemerteans share with animals that follow in this survery of the invertebrates.
Phylum NemerteaMembers of the phylum Nemertea are called ribbon worms or proboscis (FIGURE 29.17). Their phylogenetic position is presently being debated, although molecular systematic support anatomical evidence that they are related to the protostome lineage. A ribbon worm’s body is structurally acoelomate, like that of the flatworm, but it contains a small fluid-filled sac that is used to hydraulically operate an extensible proboscis by which the worm captures prey. Zoologists do not yet agree on whether this sac is a true coelom. Thus, the position of Nemertea in the phylogenetic tree of FIGURE 29.1 is uncertain, but the phylum is discussed here to highlight comparison with Platyhelminthes.Proboscis worms range in length from less than 1 mm to more than 30 m. Nearly all of the 900 or so members of this phylum are marine, but a few species inhabit fresh water or damp soil. Some are active swimmers, and other burrow in the sand.Proboscis worms probably evolved from flatworms. The two phyla have similar excretory, sensory, and nervous systems. But, in addition to the unique proboscis apparatus, two anatomical features not found in flatworms have evolved in the phylum Nemertea: a simple blood vascular system (circulatory system) and a complete digestive tract-that is, a digestive tube with a separate mouth and anus. The circulatory system consists of vessels through which blood flows, and some species have red blood cells containing a from of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen. Proboscis worms have no heart, but muscles squeeze the vessels to propel the blood. A digestive tube and a blood vascular system are features nemerteans share with animals that follow in this survery of the invertebrates.
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