Caenorhabditis elegans is a tiny, free-living nematode roughly a millimeter long, found in temperate soils, where it feeds on bacteria. Because its body is transparent, its embryonic development can be observed directly under a microscope, and it was the first animal to have its complete genome sequenced and its whole nervous system mapped neuron by neuron. These qualities have made it one of the most widely used model organisms in biology, central to research on genetics, aging, and the nervous system.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleEcotourism and Research 1 Scientific Name Conservation Status Comparison
CITES Appendix Connections
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Caenorhabditis elegans (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyConservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
Food Habits
They feed by ingesting bacteria in suspension or on detritus (Nicholas 1975).
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Caenorhabditis elegans are used often in scientific research; they are considered a model organism and are easy to study due to their transparency.
View the Source 2. GBIF Species API
3. Wikipedia: Caenorhabditis elegans
Wikipedia- Wikidata Q91703 (P225 taxon name)
In Group: Roundworms (Nematoda), Lead
Caenorhabditis elegans () is a free-living transparent nematode about 1 mm in length that lives in temperate soil environments.
View the Source 4. GBIF (IUCN Red List category): GBIF IUCN Red List category for Caenorhabditis elegans
GBIF (IUCN Red List category)GBIF taxon key 2283683, category fieldQuote, GBIF taxon key 2283683, category field
"category": "NOT_EVALUATED"
View the Source IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Wikidata: Caenorhabditis Elegans
- Wikidata Q91703, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Nematoda, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.