Phylum Annelida is a very broad phylum belonging to the kingdom Animalia. The Annelids are found in aquatic as well as terrestrial environments. These are bilaterally symmetrical invertebrate organisms. Their segmented body distinguishes them from any other organism.
Characteristics of Annelida
The characteristics of the organisms present in the Phylum Annelida are as follows:
The Annelids are coelomate and triploblastic.
They exhibit organ system level organization.
Their body is segmented.
They respire through their body surface.
Nephridia are the excretory organs.
They have a well-developed circulatory and digestive system.
Their body contains haemoglobin, which gives them a red colour.
Regeneration is a very common characteristic of the Annelids.
Setae help them in movement.
Most of the Annelids are hermaphrodite, i.e., male and female organs are present in the same body. They reproduce both sexually and asexually. The others reproduce sexually.
Eg., Earthworms, and leeches