Why are ribbon worms given their name?

aka: Ribbon Worms. The phylum Nemertea is an invertebrate phylum that contains over 1,000 species within 250 genera of mostly marine organisms known variously as ribbon, proboscis, or nemertean worms. The name means one of “Nereis” (unerring one), which refers to the unerring aim of the proboscis.

What is the scientific name for ribbon worm?

Nemertea
Ribbon worms/Scientific names

How do Nemertines protect themselves?

A long, sensitive anterior proboscis that is separate from the digestive tract characterizes nemertines. This unusual organ is branched in some species. Nemertines use the proboscis to explore the environment, to capture prey, to defend themselves, and for locomotion.

Why is ribbon worm important?

Because of their voracious appetites, ribbon worms can have huge impacts on commercially important clam and crab fisheries. Ribbon worms protect themselves from predators by secreting toxic slime, but some fish, crabs, seabirds and even other ribbon worms eat them.

Which is an example of a Nemertine worm?

Nemertines are known from Cambrian rocks; they may be derived from platyhelminth ancestors. An example is Lineus longissimus (bootlace worm). Nemertines are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic acoelomates.

Where do most nemertines live in the world?

Most ribbonworms are marine, living in habitats from the intertidal zone to a depth of 4000 m in the ocean. Some are tubiculous (e.g. Tubulanus sp. living in a self-secreted mucus tube). There are a few freshwater nemertine species and Geonemertes sp. lives in damp soil in the tropics.

How is the proboscis of a Nemertine used?

Most nemertines are carnivores. Muscular pressure on the fluid in the rhynchocoel everts the proboscis which may have a venomous stylet at its tip. Prey are sucked into the mouth, or juices are sucked out. The proboscis may be used for defense and it can be shed, whereupon a new proboscis regenerates.

Which is an example of a Nemertine acoelomate?

An example is Lineus longissimus (bootlace worm). Nemertines are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic acoelomates. The body is unsegmented. There is a basement membrane between the ectoderm and the mesoderm which forms a firm, elastic cover to the extensive longitudinal and circular muscles.