Records of the Zoological Survey of India - A Journal of Indian Zoology

R. Paliwal ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, High Altitude Regional Centre, Solan – 173 211 (H.P.), IN

Abstract

The oligochaetes are elongated, soft bodied, metamerically segmented, invertebrate animals. They are divided into two convenient groups on the basis of their body size: Microdrili (small, mainly aquatic worms including terrestrial pot worms of the family Enchytraeidae), and Megadrili (larger, mostly terrestrial worms, the earthworms, and their aquatic representatives). Oligochaetes are found in all aquatic and terrestrial habitats with sufficient moisture and food.

Full Text

   

R. Paliwal ¹

Affiliations
1 High Altitude Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Solan-173211 (H.P.), IN

Abstract

Earthworms occur in diverse habitats all over the world. However, they rarely survive in deserts, marine environments, areas under constant snow and ice, and areas devoid of soil and vegetation. They possess limited means of active dispersal. High mountain ranges and seas are the effective barriers for extension of their natural distribution. The origin of earthworms is unclear due to absence of any fossil records. Therefore, their phylogeny has been derived by the analysis of distribution, ecology, and comparative anatomy of the extant species.

Full Text