Priapulid Characteristics
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Size
  These worm-like organisms have a wide range of body size. Priapulids are quite small, ranging from about 0.55 millimeters long to about 20 centimeters long.
Body Form
  The basic body form of a priapulid consists of a trunk, a collar, a caudal appendage, and an eversible proboscis called an introvert.
Body Structure
 
  • Presoma: Also known as the proboscis, it is covered by spiny papillae. The purpose of the spiny papilla is for capturing their prey.
    Proboscis: The Feeding Mechanism
    • The smaller priapulids feed on bacteria. However, the larger species feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates.
    • Their mouth is pushed forward, allowing their teeth to consume the prey. The mouth is described to be retractable.
    • When the prey has been captured, the retractor muscles within the mouth allow the proboscis to retract. Thus the priapulid is able to pull its prey into its gut.
  • Gut: They have a complete gut, consisting of a mouth and an anus.
  • Coelom: Since little is known about these creatures, the characteristic of a true coelom or a pseudocoelom is still debated.
  • Circulatory System: It is thought that these creatures have no special circulatory system.
http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/dees/ees/life/slides/phyla/priapulida.html (June 5, 2002)

http://www.arctic.uoguelph.ca/cpl/organisms/inverts/marine_inverts/priapulids.htm (June 5, 2002)

http://www.meer.org/M33.htm (June 5, 2002)