Round 1 - Phylum Gnathostomulida
(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)
Gnathostomulida is a small phylum of small marine animals commonly called Jaw Worms. They live in the sand and mud of shallow, coastal waters, gliding between grains of sand. They can be 0.5 to 1 millimetre in length and are slender or thread-like, and generally transparent.
Gnathostomulids have no circulatory or respiratory system and a simple nervous system. Their only sense organs are cilia used for sensing vibrations, clustered around the head region. Their mouth is behind the head, on underside of the body, and has a pair of cuticle jaws (seen in the 4th image) supplied by strong muscles. Most species also have small teeth. They use these jaws to feed on bacteria, protists, and fungi they find within the sediment. All species are hermaphroditic. Like gastrotrichs, their fertilized eggs will simply burst out through their parents’ skin which then repairs itself. The egg will hatch into a miniature version of the adult, with no larval stage.
How do you feel about this phylum?
One or more of my favorite animals is in this phylum
I love one or more of these animals
I like one or more of these animals
I am neutral about all of these animals
I dislike all of these animals
I hate all of these animals
Propaganda under the cut:
