Caenorhabditis+elegans


 * Phyla:** Nematoda


 * Class:** Chromadorea


 * Common Name:** Nematode
 * Scientific Name:** //Caenorhabditis elegans//


 * Size:** Can grow to be 1 mm in length.


 * Habitat:** Lives in the temperate regions of the world.


 * Living Requirements:** They live in the soil of the temperate regions, with changes in temperature changing the lifespan of the animals. If the soil is warmer than normal, the worms will have a shorter lifespan, while the converse happens with colder soil, with them living longer. The soil must also have a constant level of moisture, so that the worm can move in the film of water and draw water from the soil. The soil must also have a moderate oxygen content. Since they are bacteriovorous, they eat bacteria that live in the soil.


 * Life Cycle:** The worms start out in life as eggs. Once the eggs hatch they go through four larval stages before they become adults. This generally takes place in three days when the soil temperature is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.


 * Differences between Males and Females:** There are only two types of worm, with their being a male worm and a hermaphrodite worm. Female worms do not naturally occur.

- In this species, the majority of the worms are hermaphrodites. - In comparison, out of the total population, only about 0.20% are male. - Unlike what you would think, this worm can actually use rudimentary learning skills, which is a big accomplishment since they only have a simple brain and nervous system.
 * Interesting Facts:**


 * Human Impact on the Organism:** There is no impact on the worms caused by humans, since they can be found in large numbers in their natural habitats.

Zookeeper: Riley Stewart Content retrieved from: [] [] [] Images retrieved from: [] [] []