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Phylum: Priapulid
G: the penis
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Priapulid, after Priapus, the mythical god of male procreative power.5
- Small, yellow, or brown cylidrical worm.1
- Curently 15 or 16 described species.
- Average size range is 0.5mm - 30cm.1
- They typically live in muddy sediment.2
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They are carnivorous worms.
Smaller priapulids are thought to be deposit-feeders while larger priapulids prey on soft-bodied inverteprates.1
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Priapulids secrete an external cuticle made of chitin.
This structure molts periodically.2
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Because Priapulids are tiny, live in muddy sediments, and are not found in higher concentrations, they are difficult to find.
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All Priapulids come from marine environments and are free-living for their entire life cycle.2
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Basics