Reprint of a 1981 book.
This text is an overall view of nematology because the author believes the science should be treated as a unified discipline. The differences in the biological habits of nematodes do not justify the separation of plant nematologists and animal nematologists, since the separation is not a reflection of any differences inherent to nematodes. Therefore, the book is arranged with a format that in the beginning chapters illustrates the similarities and sequence of development of morphological characters among nematodes regardless of their biological habits. The later chapters illustrate the integration of the evolutionary development of the parasite habit from related free-living forms. Nematology is probably the last major discipline to establish its independence from the parent science of zoology. This natural evolvement of nematology has occurred because of the overwhelming accumulation of sophisticated information and research that reflects the unique relationships of nematodes to other forms of plant and animal life as well as their relationships in other facets of the environment. Nematodes are invertebrate animals that, like insects, are unusual in their great numbers and varieties, their small size (generally microscopic), their high degree of internal organization, and their virtually ubiquitous distribution. They occupy almost every ecological niche, often causing disease of humans, other animals, and plants. These activities often result in debility, death, or in the impairment and loss of food supply with consequent loss to producers and consumers.
1 History of the Science
I. Introduction
II. Ancient Times to the Eighteenth Century
III. History and Development in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Europe
IV. History and Development in America
2 Nematodes and Their Allies
I. Phylum Rotifera
II. Phylum Gastrotricha
III. Phylum Kinorhyncha
IV. Phylum Nematomorpha
V. Phylum Nemata
3 Nematode Integument
I. External Cuticle
II. Internal Body Cuticle
III. Cuticular Structures
IV. Hypodermis
V. Excretory System
VI. Molting
4 Internal Morphology
I. Somatic Musculature
II. Alimentary Canal
III. Nervous System
5 Reproductive System
I. Introduction
II. Female Reproductive System
III. Male Reproductive System
IV. Spermatogenesis
V. Oogenesis
VI. Embryology
VII. Postembryonic Changes
6 Plant Parasitism
I. Adenophorean Plant Parasitism
II. Secernentean Plant Parasitism
7 Invertebrate Parasitism and Other Associations
I. Introduction
II. Facultative Parasitism
III. Obligate Body Cavity and Tissue Parasites
IV. Essential Nonparasitic Associations Including Vectors of Insect Diseases
V. Obligate Associations of the Alimentary Tract of Invertebrates
8 Vertebrate Parasitism
I. Introduction
II. Adenophorean Parasites of Vertebrates
III. Secernentean Parasites of Vertebrates
9 Classification of Nemata
I. Classification of Nemata
Selected References