To what phylum does a blood-sucking leech

Solution

Blood-sucking leeches belong to the phylum Annelida, which includes segmented worms. Leeches are hermaphroditic and use specialized suckers to feed on the blood of their hosts. Key Points: 1. Leeches are segmented worms found in freshwater and terrestrial habitats. 2. Their saliva contains anticoagulants like hirudin, preventing blood clotting. 3. Used in medical treatments, such as reducing blood congestion. 4. Annelids have a coelom and are bilaterally symmetrical. 5. Includes earthworms and polychaetes apart from leeches. Bee Facts: • Platyhelminthes (a): Includes flatworms like tapeworms. • Annelida (b): Correct; segmented worms like leeches and earthworms. • Nematoda (c): Includes roundworms like Ascaris. • Arthropoda (d): Includes insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.