As you examine a soil sample under your microscope, you note the presence of tiny, worm-like organisms. You immediately suspect that these creatures are nematodes. The presence of which characteristics would support your hypothesis?

A) Longitudinal but no circular muscles;

B) Separate male and female individuals;

C) Shedding of the integument;

D) A tough, collagen-based cuticle

A) Longitudinal but no circular muscles;

B) Separate male and female individuals;

C) Shedding of the integument;

D) A tough, collagen-based cuticle

Explanation:

Nematodes are bilaterally symmetrical and triploblastic animals. The posses longitudinal muscles in their body walls They exhibit sexual dimorphism, that is, male and female occur separately They posses tough cuticle/integument which periodically moults They exist as either free-living or parasites of man and various animals. E. g Ascaris lumbricoides

All the options are compatible with the characteristics of nematodes.