Invertebrates

Module 11  Invertebrates

Prepping for Worm Dissection.

Jokes:  1.  What do you call it when worms take over the world?
            2.  What reads and lives in an apple?

Fun Facts from Invertebrates
  1.  The only hard part of an octopus is a hooked        beak at the end of its tentacles
  2.  There are likely millions of invertebrates
       living in your home - dust mites and you
       can't see them!

Interesting Sites:
Websites with more links to invertebrates vs vertebrates
Phylum Porifera Sponges
Sponges spicules and spongin                       
Phylum Cnidaria hydra, sea anemone, jellyfish
Phylum Annelida Segmented worms
Earthworm Dissection
Phylum Platyhelminthes Flatworms
Phylum Nematoda Trichinella spiralis
What is a planaria

Other Sites:
Youtube video Good info on different phyla
Phylum Nematoda Roundworms
                               Roundworm facts

Roundworm Dissection
Phylum Cnidaria Hydra
Hydra under the microscope
Hydra Budding
Module 11 slide presentation


The next picture shows part of the circulatory system.  The muscular aortic arches which surround the esophagus help propel blood through the ventral blood vessel (unseen) which lies inferior to the intestine.  Smaller blood vessels surrounding the intestine absorb nutrients for the body and eventually blood flows back to the aortic arches by way of the dorsal blood vessel.

The Digestive system consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard, and intestine which leads to the anus in the posterior end of the worm.

The seminal vesicles store the sperm produced by the testis until the worm mates.  The smaller organs in the upper left of the figure to the left are the seminal receptacles which receive the sperm from the worm's mate.

The dorsal blood vessel can be seen on the surface of the crop, gizzard, and intestine. Branches of blood vessels can be seen surrounding the intestine.



                                                               
                                                                 
                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               







When dissecting the earthworm, a great deal can be seen and learned if you take the time to look  From the digestive system, circulatory system, and the nervous system, these creatures help aerate the soil and mix nutrients and thus help plant life.                        

Virtual earthworm Test your ability to identify earthworm anatomy.

Worksheets (2 pages) Mod 11 Study Help

Answers:  1.  Global Worming
                 2.  Bookworm