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Unread 12/31/2007, 08:45 PM   #11
LeslieH
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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o.c.d. - most polychaetes have the same general body structure. Distinctions come from the appendages and type of setae (= bristles). The books usually list 10 or less of the bigger worms. There's perhaps 10,000 described species of polychaetes and a unknown - but high - number of undescribed ones. The same is true for shrimp, crabs, and all the other inverts. The incredible biodiversity is part of what makes marine biology so much fun.


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So many worms, so little time...
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
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