Nematology

Nematology is the scientific study of nematodes, examining their biology, classification, ecology, and effects on plants, animals, and ecosystems.

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Nematoda: Nematoda is the animal phylum of roundworms, a diverse group of mostly slender, unsegmented worms. The phylum defines the organisms nematology investigates.
Plant-parasitic nematode: A plant-parasitic nematode feeds on living plant tissues, often damaging roots or other organs. These species are a major focus of agricultural nematology.
Stylet (biology): A stylet is a slender, piercing mouthpart used by some nematodes to feed on cells or fluids. Plant-parasitic species use stylets to puncture plant cells and withdraw contents.
Soil food web: A soil food web is the network of feeding relationships among organisms living in soil. Nematodes occupy several trophic positions and connect microbes, plants, and larger animals.
Nathan Augustus Cobb: Nathan Augustus Cobb was an American zoologist who developed nematode taxonomy and helped establish nematology as a discipline. His taxonomic work helped create a scientific framework for studying nematodes.
Nematode anatomy: Nematode anatomy is the structure of the body, organs, and tissues of roundworms. Body structures help distinguish nematodes and explain how they feed and move.
Root-knot nematode: Root-knot nematodes are plant parasites in the genus Meloidogyne that induce characteristic galls on roots. Their root galls illustrate how nematodes alter plant tissues while feeding.
Nematode cuticle: The nematode cuticle is a flexible external covering that protects the body and is renewed during molts. The cuticle permits movement while separating the animal from its environment.
Nematode community: A nematode community is the assemblage of nematode species inhabiting a particular environment. Community composition can indicate how soils and ecosystems respond to disturbance.
B. G. Chitwood: Benjamin Goodwin Chitwood was an American nematologist known for foundational work on nematode classification. His revisions shaped how nematode diversity is described and organized.