Table of Contents
Why are flatworms so named?
Worms in the phylum Platyhelminthes are called flatworms because they have flattened bodies. There are more than 18,500 known species of flatworms.
What is a flatworm for kids?
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Greek “platy”‘: flat; “helminth”: worm) are a phylum of invertebrates. They are relatively simple animals. They have soft bodies….Flatworm facts for kids.
| Quick facts for kids Flatworms | |
|---|---|
| Superphylum: | Platyzoa |
| Phylum: | Platyhelminthes Gegenbaur, 1859 |
| Classes | |
| Monogenea Trematoda Cestoda Turbellaria |
Is Ascaris a flatworm?
While there are plenty of free-living flatworms and roundworms, there are parasitic forms of both flatworms and roundworms that cause disease in humans. Roundworms that cause disease include Ascaris, a large intestinal worm that can grow to the size of a pencil, as well as hookworms and whipworms.
What do flatworms look like?
Flatworms have flat, symmetrical, leaf-shaped bodies that grow to a size smaller than a quarter. The oyster flatworm is cream-colored with short tentacles on its sides and has eyespots in two rows along its head.
What is the one thing everyone should remember about flatworms?
The big thing you should remember is that they are flat. There may be one more fact to remember. They are found in every environment that has water. Many scientists believe there are hundreds of species we will still discover.
What are three classes of flatworms?
The Phylum: Platyhelminthes includes the flatworms (Planaria, flukes & tapeworms) Three Classes treated here are Turbellaria, Trematoda and Cestoda.
What happens if Ascaris is left untreated?
There are a number of complications that may occur with untreated ascariasis. Following is a list of these complications: Bowel obstruction (intestinal blockage) Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
What disease is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides?
Ascariasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, which is a species of roundworm. Roundworms are a type of parasitic worm. Infections caused by roundworms are fairly common. Ascariasis is the most common roundworm infection.
Can you touch flatworms?
First and foremost, if you spot one of these foreign creatures DO NOT TOUCH them with your bare hands. Always protect your skin from coming in contact with the flatworm and any of its secretions by using gloves or a plastic bag.