Ecology of Caenorhabditis species

摘要: Although several Caenorhabditis species are now studied in laboratories great detail, the knowledge of ecology most is scarce. In this chapter we present data on habitat, animal associations, and geographical distribution eighteen described five undescribed currently known to science. The habitats these very diverse, ranging from rotting cactus tissue inflamed auditory canals zebu cattle. Some species, including C. elegans, have only been isolated anthropogenic habitats. Consequently, their natural habitat unknown. All colonizers nutrient- bacteria-rich substrates none them a true soil nematode. Dauer juveniles many were shown be associated with terrestrial arthropods or gastropods. An association invertebrates also likely for remaining species. type either phoresy (for transport new habitat) necromeny (to secure body as future food source). There some records vertebrates. stem was probably colonizer nutrient-rich phoretic arthropods. evolutionary trends within taxon discussed.