Class Polychaeta is a group of marine worms that live in the ocean. These worms are often referred to as bristle worms, due to the presence of many small bristles on their bodies. Other synonyms for this class include the marine annelids, polychaetous annelids, and polychaetous worms. Polychaetes are characterized by their segmented bodies, which are often divided into distinct sections. They play an important role in marine ecosystems, serving as a food source for many other marine animals and helping to break down organic matter in the water. Despite their importance, many species of polychaetes remain poorly understood by scientists.