''Diurodrilus'' is a genus of tiny marine animals that has traditionally been assigned to the
annelid worms, although this
affinity is not certain. With a maximum length of 0.45 mm, it has an unusual morphology with many traits not found in other annelids, including a ventral creeping foot.
Analyses of DNA have both refuted and supported placement within the annelids,
with the unusual morphology perhaps due to evolutionary
progenesis, in which organisms develop sexual maturity while retaining the larval traits of their ancestors.
The following species are recognised:
* ''
Diurodrilus minimus
''Diurodrilus'' is a genus of tiny marine animals that has traditionally been assigned to the annelid worms, although this affinity is not certain. With a maximum length of 0.45 mm, it has an unusual morphology with many traits not found i ...
'' Remane, 1925
* ''
Diurodrilus ankeli'' Ax, 1967
* ''
Diurodrilus benazzii'' Gerlach, 1953
* ''
Diurodrilus dohrni'' Gerlach, 1952
* ''
Diurodrilus subterraneus'' Remane, 1934
* ''
Diurodrilus westheidei'' Kristensen & Niilonen, 1982
References
Annelid genera
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