The heartworms that can accumulate within the hearts of dogs and other mammals have a pseudocoelom, an alimentary canal, and an outer covering that is occasionally shed. To which phylum does the heartworm belong?
A) Platyhelminthes
B) Arthropoda
C) Nematoda
D) Acoela
E) Annelida

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heartworms possess a pseudocoelom (a fluid-filled body cavity), an alimentary canal, and an outer covering that is occasionally shed. These characteristics indicate that they belong to the phylum Nematoda, which includes roundworms. Platyhelminthes (A) are flatworms, Arthropoda (B) are characterized by a segmented body and joined appendages, Acoela (D) are a group of small marine flatworms, and Annelida (E) are segmented worms such as earthworms and leeches.

The Heartworms That Can Accumulate Within the Hearts of Dogs