A simplified classification of the phylum emphasizing groups containing parasites is included with this handout. Demonstrations are set up in the order they are listed on the classification chart. The chart also indicates the relative evolutionary position of the various taxa (least derived at the top, most derived at the bottom). In the next laboratory we will look at nematode parasites of plants. On the lab practical you will not be asked to specifically identify a nematode to genus but should be able to recognize that the specimen is a nematode, the morphological characteristics used in classifying nematodes (e.g. type of feeding apparatus, type of esophagus, whether the nematode is a male or a female, and the presence or absence of a bursa or spicule), and the Order to which the nematode belongs.

CLASS: ADENOPHOREA

ORDER: STICHOSOMIDA

Romanomermis culicivorax (parasite of mosquitoes)

Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)

Trichinella spiralis (trichinosis)

CLASS: SECERNENTEA

ORDER: RHABDITIDA

Caenorhabditis elegans ("free-living")

Steinernema and Heterorhabditis (parasites of insects)

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)

ORDER: STRONGYLIDA

ORDER: ASCARIDIDA

ORDER: SPIRURIDA

PHYLUMS ACANTHOCEPHALA (SPINY HEADED WORMS) AND NEMATOMORPHA (GORDIAN WORMS)

LAB INDEX