A genus of small nematode worms (roundworms) often used in laboratory research, particularly for studying genetics and development.
Derived from Latin 'anguilla' (eel) plus the suffix -aria. Named for their eel-like or snake-like body shape, these microscopic worms resemble their larger aquatic namesakes in appearance.
Anguillaria (now reclassified as Pristionchus) gave scientists their first understanding of how worms develop—researchers realized studying a simple worm was easier than complex animals, launching the field of developmental biology.
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