Class Class Class Hirudinea

Polychaeta Oligochaeta
Characteristic “many setae” “few setae” -Dorsoventrally
s flattened, suckers on
both ends
-Coelom filled with
mesenchyme and
reduction of coelom

Digestive complete Digestive system

System adapted for diet
composed of
decomposing organic
matter (plants) with
crop and gizzard
Feeding Filter feeders; decomposers ectoparasites (blood
carnivores; predators sucking) or
carnivorous,
predators,scavengers
Excretory metanephridia
System
Reproduction Asexual: Asexual: Asexual: none
regeneration of body Fragmentation(give Sexual:
parts rise to new -Hermaphrodites with
Sexual: mostly individuals) and gonads restricted to
dioecious regeneration of few segments
-Sperm/egg leave several clones in -Direct development
usually through aquatic species and eggs released in
nephridiopores; -Regeneration of lost a cocoon
although some can portions in terrestrial
brood eggs in species
burrows or the Sexual:
coelom; -Hermaphrotides with
-EPITOKY sexual few segments w
clone gonads
-Simultaneous sperm
exchange
-External fertilization
-Presence of
Clitellum
-Eggs released in a
cocoon
-Development is
direct with no larval
stages

Nervous Well developed head Poorly –developed

System head and sensory
structures
Respiration One portion of diffusion through
parapodia modified moist skin;
as gills
Cardiovascul Open circulation
ar
Habitat Free-living and tube- Mostly frehwater and marine, freshwater
dwellers moist soil, a few and terrestrial