Flachwürmer

Flachwürmer, also known as platyhelminthes, are a phylum of bilaterally symmetrical, acoelomate, unsegmented worms. They are primarily flatworms, with a dorsoventrally flattened body, and are found in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Flachwürmer are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs, and reproduction is typically asexual through fission or budding. Some species are parasitic, while others are free-living.

The phylum Platyhelminthes is divided into several classes, including Turbellaria, Trematoda, and Cestoda. Turbellaria includes free-living flatworms, such as planarians, which are known for their regenerative abilities. Trematoda, or flukes, are parasitic flatworms that infect a variety of hosts, including humans, and are responsible for diseases like schistosomiasis. Cestoda, or tapeworms, are also parasitic and are characterized by their segmented bodies and the presence of both male and female reproductive organs in each segment.

Flachwürmer play important roles in their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey. They are also of significant medical and scientific interest due to their parasitic nature and the diseases they can cause. Despite their simple body structure, flatworms have evolved complex behaviors and adaptations, making them a fascinating subject of study in biology.