Flatworm: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Article about flatworms}} | |||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Flatworms | |||
| image = Platyhelminthes_diversity.jpg | |||
| image_caption = Diversity of flatworms | |||
}} | |||
'''Flatworms''' are a group of invertebrates belonging to the phylum [[Platyhelminthes]]. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, which are bilaterally symmetrical and lack specialized respiratory and circulatory systems. Flatworms are found in a variety of environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. | |||
Flatworms | |||
== | ==Morphology== | ||
Flatworms | [[File:Haeckel_Platodes.jpg|thumb|left|Illustration of flatworms by Ernst Haeckel]] | ||
Flatworms exhibit a range of body forms, from simple, unsegmented shapes to more complex structures. They have a soft, dorsoventrally flattened body that allows them to move easily through their environments. The body is covered by a ciliated epidermis, which aids in locomotion. | |||
== | ==Classification== | ||
Flatworms | Flatworms are divided into four major classes: | ||
* '''[[Turbellaria]]''': Mostly free-living flatworms, including the well-known planarians. | |||
* '''[[Monogenea]]''': Parasitic flatworms that primarily infect fish. | |||
* '''[[Trematoda]]''': Also known as flukes, these are parasitic flatworms that infect a variety of hosts, including humans. | |||
* '''[[Cestoda]]''': Commonly known as tapeworms, these are parasitic flatworms that live in the digestive tracts of vertebrates. | |||
== | ==Reproduction== | ||
[[File:Mating_Pseudobiceros_bedfordi.png|thumb|right|Mating behavior of ''Pseudobiceros bedfordi'']] | |||
Flatworms have a variety of reproductive strategies. Many are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can reproduce sexually or asexually, with some species capable of regeneration from fragments. | |||
== | ==Ecology== | ||
Flatworms play significant roles in their ecosystems. Free-living species are often predators or scavengers, while parasitic species can have complex life cycles involving multiple hosts. | |||
==Parasitic Flatworms== | |||
[[File:Metagonimus_LifeCycle.gif|thumb|left|Life cycle of ''Metagonimus yokogawai'']] | |||
Parasitic flatworms, such as flukes and tapeworms, have complex life cycles that often involve multiple hosts. These parasites can cause significant health issues in humans and animals. | |||
===Flukes=== | |||
Flukes, or trematodes, are internal parasites that infect various organs of their hosts. They have complex life cycles involving intermediate hosts, such as snails. | |||
===Tapeworms=== | |||
[[File:Taenia_solium_Life_cycle.tif|thumb|right|Life cycle of ''Taenia solium'']] | |||
Tapeworms, or cestodes, are intestinal parasites that can grow to significant lengths within their hosts. They attach to the host's intestinal wall using specialized structures called scolex. | |||
==Free-living Flatworms== | |||
[[File:Proporus_sp._(no_background).png|thumb|left|''Proporus'' species, a free-living flatworm]] | |||
Free-living flatworms, such as planarians, are often found in aquatic environments. They are known for their remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to regrow lost body parts. | |||
==Evolution== | |||
[[File:Journal.pone.0079155.g004_Only_silhouettes_of_bodies.svg|thumb|right|Silhouettes of flatworm body forms]] | |||
Flatworms are considered one of the earliest groups of bilaterally symmetrical animals. Their simple body plan provides insights into the evolution of more complex organisms. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Planarian]] | |||
* [[Tapeworm]] | |||
* [[Fluke (trematode)]] | |||
* [[Parasitism]] | |||
[[Category:Platyhelminthes]] | |||
[[Category:Invertebrates]] | [[Category:Invertebrates]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:14, 21 February 2025
Article about flatworms
Flatworms are a group of invertebrates belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, which are bilaterally symmetrical and lack specialized respiratory and circulatory systems. Flatworms are found in a variety of environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats.
Morphology[edit]
Flatworms exhibit a range of body forms, from simple, unsegmented shapes to more complex structures. They have a soft, dorsoventrally flattened body that allows them to move easily through their environments. The body is covered by a ciliated epidermis, which aids in locomotion.
Classification[edit]
Flatworms are divided into four major classes:
- Turbellaria: Mostly free-living flatworms, including the well-known planarians.
- Monogenea: Parasitic flatworms that primarily infect fish.
- Trematoda: Also known as flukes, these are parasitic flatworms that infect a variety of hosts, including humans.
- Cestoda: Commonly known as tapeworms, these are parasitic flatworms that live in the digestive tracts of vertebrates.
Reproduction[edit]
Flatworms have a variety of reproductive strategies. Many are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can reproduce sexually or asexually, with some species capable of regeneration from fragments.
Ecology[edit]
Flatworms play significant roles in their ecosystems. Free-living species are often predators or scavengers, while parasitic species can have complex life cycles involving multiple hosts.
Parasitic Flatworms[edit]
Parasitic flatworms, such as flukes and tapeworms, have complex life cycles that often involve multiple hosts. These parasites can cause significant health issues in humans and animals.
Flukes[edit]
Flukes, or trematodes, are internal parasites that infect various organs of their hosts. They have complex life cycles involving intermediate hosts, such as snails.
Tapeworms[edit]
Tapeworms, or cestodes, are intestinal parasites that can grow to significant lengths within their hosts. They attach to the host's intestinal wall using specialized structures called scolex.
Free-living Flatworms[edit]
Free-living flatworms, such as planarians, are often found in aquatic environments. They are known for their remarkable regenerative abilities, allowing them to regrow lost body parts.
Evolution[edit]
Flatworms are considered one of the earliest groups of bilaterally symmetrical animals. Their simple body plan provides insights into the evolution of more complex organisms.
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