Nemertea Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to the biology of Nemertea, including their anatomy, reproduction, and feeding mechanisms.

Bilaterally symmetrical

Nemerteans possess this type of symmetry which means they have a distinct left and right side.

Non-segmented

Nemerteans do not have body segments, distinguishing them from other phyla.

Triploblastic

Refers to organisms that develop from three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Tissue

A group of cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure made up of different types of tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

Mesoderm

The tissue layer from which the circulatory system of Nemerteans arises.

One-way through gut

The type of digestive system Nemerteans have, allowing food to move in one direction.

Muscles, cilia, and mucus

The means by which Nemerteans move.

Proboscis

The structure used by Nemerteans to capture prey.

Stylet

The poisonous barb located on the proboscis used for capturing prey.

Anopla

The class of Nemerteans that lacks a stylet.

Enopla

The class of Nemerteans that possesses a stylet.

Dioecious

Refers to most marine Nemerteans having distinct male and female individuals.

Transverse fission

The method by which some Nemerteans can reproduce asexually.