Nematodes are invertebrates comprising the parasitic roundworms They are characterized by a smooth narrow cylindrical unsegmented body tapered at both ends They shed their tough outer cuticle four times during life to allow growth The microscopic free-living forms are found in all parts of the world, where they play an important role in the destruction and recycling of organic matter The parasitic nematodes are much larger and some of them can cause serious diseases in man
Microscopic soil worm, which may attack roots or other structures of plants and cause extensive damage
Multicellular eukaryote defined as an unsegmented, usually microscopic roundworm Various species feed on plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria
roundworms, often internal parasites of animals and plants The latter are significant economic pests on foodcrops as few crops are immune to attacks of these creatures which inhabit the soil about the roots of plants The development of nematode-resistant varieties of crop plants is important to food growth economics [CUB, modified by JVG]
A microscopic free living worm Many species live by predating bacteria Nematode sperm cells are very unusual in being large crawling cells
More or less elongate, spindle-shaped, worm-like animals ranging in size from less than a millimeter to several meters in length, living as saprophytes in soil or water or as parasites of plants or animals (3)
or roundworm Any of more than 15,000 named and many more unnamed species of worms in the class Nematoda (phylum Aschelminthes). Nematodes include plant and animal parasites and free-living forms found in soil, freshwater, saltwater, and even vinegar and beer malts. They are bilaterally symmetrical and usually tapered at both ends. Some species have separate sexes; others are hermaphroditic. They range from microscopic to about 23 ft (7 m) long. Nematode parasites can occur in almost any body organ but are most common in the digestive, circulatory, or respiratory system. Hookworms, pinworms, and eelworms are nematodes. See also filarial worm, guinea worm, trichina