The Department of Life Sciences

There are several invertebrate groups that are only represented in the collections by a small number of specimens.

Subphylum: Tunicata

Tunicates are marine invertbrates that are part of the Phylum Chordata. They are mostly sessile filter feeders. There are a few specimens in the collection including some invasive species.

For more information on tunicates in general click here

Phylum: Onychophora

The velvet worms are a terrestrial group of soft bodied invertebrates that look like worms with legs. There are around 5 specimens in spirit in the collection.

For more information on velvet worms in general click here

For profiles of selected species click here

Phylum: Platyhelminthes

The flat worms are found in marine and terrestrial habitats as well as being parasitic. There are only a few specimens in the collection.

For more information on flat worms in general click here  

Phylum: Nematoda

Nematodes or roundworms are very widespread and numerous in all habitats. Many species are parasitic and the specimens in the collection include some from the stomachs of dolphins.

For more information on roundworms in general click here

Phylum: Brachiopoda

Lamp shells look similar to bivalve molluscs but have upper and lower valves rather than left and right valves. There are a few specimens of articulate and inarticulate lampshells in the collection.

For more information on lampshells in general click here

Last updated 14 June 2018