Category: Invertebrates
This phylum of animals inhabits marine waters worldwide. They are named for their distinctive rows of cilia, or combs, that they use swimming – they are actually the largest organism in the world that uses cilia for locomotion. They possess a decentralized nerve net rather than a brain and display a wide range of body forms –for example, coastal species have sturdy bodies that are able to withstand constant buffeting by waves while some open-ocean species are so fragile it is difficult to collect them for study.
Rub some dirt on it!
Could it be we have been too good at ridding our bodies of parasitic worms? Believe it or not, our efforts at keeping squeaky-clean and sanitary in the developed world may be contributing to increased allergies, asthma, psoriasis, even autoimmune diseases. The human immune system, having evolved with parasitic worms, recognizes them, and has learned to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing when these tiny intruders are sensed. While getting worms may be seen as too high a price to pay for many, for people suffering from severe allergies or colitis, it may be worth it. Victims of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease have shown a promising reduction in symptoms (even remission in Crohn’s) after ingesting whipworm eggs - a treatment that may be worth it to some until a cure is found!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
