ROUNDWORMS

"Roundworms--also known as nematodes--are all around us: some of them are in our bodies where they may be causing disease. Others however, are very important ecologically. They live in the soils where they circulate nutrients, and enrich the soils with oxygen. Roundworms are terribly diverse. Nobody knows for sure how many species of roundworms there are on the face of the earth. One species was recently discovered-- it's only known for beer mug coasters in Central European bars."

DR. NILES ELDREDGE, CURATOR, DEPARTMENT OF INVERTEBRATES

 

 

KNOWN SPECIES

25,000; possibly 400,000

SIZE RANGE

1 millimeter to 8.4 meters

WHERE THEY LIVE

In soils and in ocean and freshwater sediments; As disease-causing parasites in plants and animals

ECOLOGICAL ROLES AND HUMAN USES

Detritus feeders, parasites, disease causers • Aerate soil and circulate nutrients • Aid in soil decomposition • Used by humans in biological research, and to control agricultural and domestic pests

Spectrum of Life
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