Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)

• Flattened bodies; Bilateral symmetry
• Head region with eye spots (see light/dark not images)
• Simple brain; soft bodies
•  They have only one opening in their digestive tract, meaning they eat and dispose of solid wastes through the same opening.
• Live in moist areas or in aquatic environments

Vibrant sea flatworms (often predators)

Sea flat worms are often very vibrant. These animals swim by undulating the sides of their body.

Planaria- scavengers

Predacious hammer head worms- native to NC

Hammer head worm eating an earthworm

Parasitic tapeworms

Tapeworms can infest humans. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on digested materials in our guts. You can get tapeworms from ingesting under-cooked meats.

 

 

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