Table of Contents
Platyhelminthes
Platyhelminthes are a phylum of invertebrate animals that includes flatworms and tapeworms. Flatworms have a flattened body shape and a simple digestive system. Tapeworms are long, thin animals with a segmented body. They have a complex digestive system that includes a mouth, a stomach, and a intestine.
Some examples of platyhelminthes include the flatworm Planaria, the tapeworm Taenia, and the blood fluke Schistosoma. Planaria are common in freshwater habitats. They are predators and scavengers, and can be a pest in aquaculture facilities. Taenia is a common tapeworm found in the intestines of humans and other animals. Schistosoma is a parasitic flatworm that can cause schistosomiasis, a serious disease.
Characteristics of Platyhelminthes
- Platyhelminthes are a phylum of animals that includes flatworms and tapeworms. They are ectothermic and hermaphroditic, and lack a backbone. Platyhelminthes are generally parasitic, and some can cause serious diseases in humans.
- Platyhelminthes is a phylum of invertebrate animals that includes the flatworms. These animals are characterized by their flattened body shape and the presence of cilia on their surface that allow them to move. Flatworms are mostly parasites, and include some of the most common parasites of humans.
Unique Characteristics of Platyhelminthes
- Platyhelminthes are a class of free-living, aquatic invertebrates. They are characterized by their flat, ribbon-like body plan and the presence of cilia on their surface. Platyhelminthes are hermaphroditic, and can self-fertilize or cross-fertilize with other individuals.
- They range in size from microscopic to several meters in length, and include some of the most common parasites of humans and other animals.
- There are a number of unique characteristics of flatworms that set them apart from other animals. Flatworms lack a true body cavity, meaning their organs are not enclosed in a protective membrane.
- They also have a simple digestive system and no respiratory system. Additionally, flatworms are capable of regenerating any lost body part, making them incredibly resilient creatures.
Classification of Platyhelminthes
There are three main classes of Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria, Trematoda, and Cestoda.
- Turbellaria are mostly free-living, and include the planarians, which are common in freshwater environments.
- Trematoda are parasites, and include flukes, which are common in both freshwater and marine environments.
- Cestoda are parasites, and include tapeworms, which are common in both freshwater and marine environments.
