2. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
LeechesLeeches
There are aboutThere are about
500 species500 species
Most freshwater,Most freshwater,
others are marineothers are marine
or terrestrial.or terrestrial.
3. Class: HirudineaClass: Hirudinea
Leeches prey on small invertebratesLeeches prey on small invertebrates
or feed on the body fluids ofor feed on the body fluids of
vertebrates.vertebrates.
5. HirudineaHirudinea
The first anterior and posteriorThe first anterior and posterior
segements are modified into suckers.segements are modified into suckers.
6.
7. HirudineaHirudinea
Other annelids move like a snakeOther annelids move like a snake
back and forth.back and forth.
Leeches move up and downLeeches move up and down
On land they use suckers to attachOn land they use suckers to attach
and move forward.and move forward.
8.
9. Hirudinea DigestionHirudinea Digestion
Leeches feed on body fluids or entireLeeches feed on body fluids or entire
bodies of invertebrates.bodies of invertebrates.
Are leeches Parasites?Are leeches Parasites?
– NONO
They feed on living animals for aThey feed on living animals for a
short time and do not require themshort time and do not require them
for anything except foodfor anything except food
Leeches are more like a predatorLeeches are more like a predator
10. FeedingFeeding
Leeches are class specific. Means?Leeches are class specific. Means?
If they feed on a frog, they will onlyIf they feed on a frog, they will only
feed on other amphibians, but not afeed on other amphibians, but not a
fish or a reptile.fish or a reptile.
11.
12. FeedingFeeding
There salivary glands secrete anThere salivary glands secrete an
anticoagulant, which prevents bloodanticoagulant, which prevents blood
from clotting.from clotting.
– hirudinhirudin
If blood clot in leeches gut then itIf blood clot in leeches gut then it
would kill the leech.would kill the leech.
