Biology / Unit 10 Bio 2255 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Phylum Nemertea: Ribbon Worms
Captions available
The idea
Nemerteans, or ribbon worms, capture prey using an eversible proboscis that shoots outward from a separate internal cavity to grasp or pierce food.
In practice
A nemertean's proboscis, stored inverted inside its fluid-filled sheath, everts rapidly to strike prey before retracting again.
Where people slip
A nemertean's proboscis is separate from its digestive tract — food it captures still enters through a distinct mouth opening.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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