Platyhelminthes: The Flat Worms
Platworms known as flatworms, are a group of invertebrate animals with unique characteristics. Found in aquatic and terrestrial environments, they can live freely or as parasites, playing different roles in ecosystems and human health.
Features
With flattened bodies and bilateral symmetry, flatworms have an incomplete digestive system, with only one opening for ingestion and elimination of waste. They do not have a circulatory or respiratory system, which makes them dependent on diffusion for gas exchange and nutrient distribution.
Diversity of Life
Free-living species: Such as planarians, which inhabit aquatic environments and humid soils, playing important roles in the food chain.
Parasitic species: These include tapeworms and schistosomes, known to cause diseases such as taeniasis and schistosomiasis in humans and animals.
Reproduction
Flatworms have a high capacity for regeneration and varied reproductive methods. Many species reproduce sexually, but some reproduce asexually, such as planarians, which regenerate after being divided.
Health Impact
Parasites such as tapeworms and schistosomes affect millions of people through inadequate sanitation and consumption of contaminated water or food.
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