Category: Invertebrates
These ocean dwelling animals are characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and a set of arms, or tentacles. There are about 800 identified species of cephalopods, a class that includes squid, octopi, nautili, and cuttlefish. With their well-developed senses and large brains, cephalopods are widely considered the most intelligent of the invertebrates. With only a few exceptions, all cephalopods have an ink sac, which can be squirted into the surrounding water to confuse predators. They are also the only mollusks with a closed circulatory system.
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
