ABSTRACT
Nematodes are simple organisms containing a tube-like gut and separate mouth and anus (see Figure 22.1). Typically they may be seen as small, white or transparent threads of cotton wool. They live by their millions in almost every habitat. It has been estimated that 1 m2 of woodland soil contains ten million nematodes. They move through the soil in films of water in a characteristic ‘side-winder’-like motion caused by the contraction of four muscles which subsequently bend and twist the body.
