Classification of Platyhelminthes

Platyhelminthes are further divided into three classes:

Turbellaria

This species is usually found in both freshwater and marine environment. These are not parasitic in nature.In the aquatic ecosystem, these organisms act as detritivores. Some of their features are:

• The body is flat dorsoventrally.
• Suckers and hooks are absent in this class.
• For example, Planaria, Otoplana, etc.

Trematoda

This class includes all the parasitic worms known as flukes. They often inhabit multiple hosts. Some of their features are given below:

• All the species are obligate parasites.
• They have an oral and ventral sucker.
• For example Diplozoon, Fasciola, Hepatica, etc.

Cestoda

This class includes species which are known as tapeworms. These are usually found in the digestive tracts of humans, vertebrates and mammals.Following are some of their features:

• Hooks and suckers are present in this class.
• Only parasites are included in this class.
• Cause diseases in humans such as Taeniasis and Cysticercosis
• Examples are Beef tapeworm, Fish tapeworm, etc.

Also Read,

• Phylum Porifera – Characteristics and Examples
• Phylum Annelida
• Phylum Coelenterata – Definition, Characteristics, Classification, Examples
• Phylum Aschelminthes

Phylum Platyhelminthes is a phylum of invertebrates that consists of organisms that are bilaterally symmetrical and unsegmented. Usually, species in this phylum are known as flatworms or tapeworms as they have flat bodies. These are dual-parasitic and free-living. They are a part of Kingdom Animalia.

Examples of Platyhelminthes are Schistosoma mansoni, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Dugesia tigrina, etc. They are responsible for multiple diseases in humans like Schistosomiasis and Cysticercosis. Meat and Fish should be properly cooked to avoid infection from these organisms.