Reproduction  Nematodes reproduce mostly through sex. The male nematode opens up the females vagina using two hook like structure called spicule. The male injects his semen internally directly near the eggs. Nematode semen lacks a flagella so it is unable to swim to the eggs. Some female nematodes may lay up to 200,000 eggs per day and 27 million eggs throughout her reproductive life. Life Cycle  Nematode life cycles vary depending on class. For the majority of nematodes their life cycle is a six stage process; egg, 4 larvae stages, and adult. After hatching, the larvae have about the same number of cells as an adult. Nematodes tend to grow by cell enlargement forcing the nematode to molt four times during adolescence. Once the nematode has reached adulthood it is able to reproduce. Nematodes are capable of cryptobiosis, or suspending their lives when conditions are unfavorable. Nematode life expectancy varies greatly depending on class, but generally between 20-125 days. |