Phylum Annelida The phylum Annelida is composed of invertebrate, segmented worms, and includes about 15,000 species in total.

The major evolutionary feature of this phylum is the development of segmented bodies; this segmentation allows for extra flexibility and mobility. Structurally, Annelids also have round, soft bodies with bilateral symmetry, and repeated organs in body segments. The digestive system of an Annelid is a straight tube that runs through the entire body. Some annelids have sense organs such as eyes, feelers, or tentacles on their head, but these organs are generally not welldeveloped. A structural diagram of a well-known Annelid, the earthworm, is shown below. Annelids generally live either in freshwater or soil, though some can live on land as well. Some Annelids obtain nutrients by passing soil through their bodies, while others, such as leeches, are parasitic, sucking the blood of other animals. A few leeches are even carnivorous. Well-known examples of Annelids are earthworms and (as mentioned before), leeches. Several examples of Annelids are shown below (from left to right, earthworm, Autolytus pachycerus, Acrocirrus validus,

Examples of Phylum Annelida common earthworms night crawlers red wigglers leaches ragworms beard worms giant tube worms spoon worms lug worm Arenicola marina Christmas tree worms Spirobranchus giganteus

What Are the Three Classes of Phylum Annelida? There are many classes of Phylum Annelida. One major class is the Polychaeta, which are marine worms. Another class is Hirudinea, the class of leeches. Another class is Oligochaeta which are freshwater and terrestrial worms, like the common earthworm.

Characteristics Annelids were the first animals to evolve a complete coelom (an internal body cavity lined with epithelial tissue). They are segmented and have most comlete body systems. Classification Members of the class Polychaeta are marine worms. Members of the classOligocheata are earthworms. Members of the class Hirudinea are parasitic worms. Movement Annelids have various muscle groups and simple appendages. They use setaeand parapodia for movement. Feeding & Digestion Marine worms are filter feeders or scavengers. Earthworms squeeze organic material out of the earth. The digestive systems for all three classes are well-developed and use division of labor. Circulation Annelids are the first to have a closed system of blood vessels -- making pumping more efficient. Excretion Annelids have one pair of nephridia per segment for excretion. Respiration Respiration occurs through diffusion. Nervous System Members of this phylum have a simple brain located in the anterior end withganglia in every segment. They can sense light, moisture, and chemicals. Reproduction Since annelids are hermaphroditic, sexual reproduction occurs through the exchange of sperm packets. Habitat-marine, living in mud and debris of shallow coastal waters - usually concealed by day under stones or in their burrows What Is Phylum Annelida?

Free-living, terrestrial or aquatic form (freshwater or marine).

Body is long, cylindrical and metamerically segmented. Body wall consists of cuticle, epidermis and musculature. Body cavity is a true coelom, lined by epithelium. Digestive system is complete. Respiration is either through skin or through gills. Excretion with the help of characteristic nephridia. Presence of a circulatory system (closed type). Hemoglobin dissolved directly in the plasma. Nervous system consists of a nerve ring and a double ventral nerve cord with segmental ganglia.

Locomotion with the help of setae or parapodia. Reproduction by sexual methods. Either unisexual or bisexual development may be direct or indirect.

Body has a true coelom.