Flatworms, or Phylum Platyhelminthes, come in many forms- from the parasitic Trematoda and Cestoda (more commonly called flukes and tapeworms), to the non-parasitic Turbellaria class (also known as planarians). They can get into our bodies or the bodies of our animals and cause disease (tapeworms). They are studied by scientists and disected by young children all over the world. Flatworms deep in the ocean have amazing colors. They have no respiratory or circulatory systems, but they do have a primitive brain. The flatworm, despite its boring-sounding name, is an interesting and exciting creature.
Colorful and beautiful flatworms can be found in sea water and fresh water, while the less exotic can be found in the intestines of most animals, including humans. Parasitic flatworms live off a host for most of their life, while non-parasitc flatworms do not need a host to survive. Flatworms eat and get rid of waste through the same opening in their body and they are bilaterally symmetrical. This bilateral symmetry allows them to move forward and have sensory organs in the front. The internet has a large supply of site on flatworms. Here are some of the best.
The Internet Resources
General Flatworm Information
Introduction to the Platyhelminthes
- Never heard of flatworms before? Well this is the site to start with. A picture- filled website with short and easy to read basic information. It contains many links to other sources, including various types of flatworms and other information. A good site for middle to high schoolers. Rating: 4 wiggles
Marine Flatworms of the World
- If you need any information on marine flatworms, anything at all, this site is a must. If you can't find it here, you probably won't find it. Links to tons of information and dozens of pictures of marine flatworms and other marine invertebrates. Includes pages on flatworm anatomy, food and feeding, regeneration, toxins, mating, species variation, and many more! Great for any reasearch and almost any age. Rating: 5 wiggles
Flatworms
- If you're already the expert on flatworms and want to learn more, especially about bilateral symmetry, this is the site to go to. A site with a lot of college level information. There are no pictures, but there are review questions at the end. Talks about the three families of flatworms- turbellaria, trematoda, and cestoda. A good site for finding quick information on those subjects. Rating: 2.5 wiggles
Polyclad Flatworms
- A site with very little detailed information. It contains five pictures of flatworms, each with its scientific name. A good site for learning the most basic of information or the different types of flatworms, but very little in-depth info. Good for third through fifth graders. Rating: 1.5 wiggles
Flatworms: Phylum Platyhelminth
- A simple and easy-to-read site with an understandable chart telling fun flatworm facts. Information on flatworm muscular-skelatal, nervous, digestion, circulation, respiration, and reproduction systems can be found on this chart. Also includes an interesting flatworm quiz and links to other informational sites. A good site for younger children. Rating: 4 wiggles
Platyhelminthes
- Another site for those flatworm experts. It is a short page full of information on how to identify a flatworm. It is written with very difficult and complaex language and there are no pictures. Probably best for college-level readers. Rating: 2 wiggles.
Tapeworms
Those Disgusting Tapeworms
- A page about tapeworms in pets- what they do, how they do it, and how to get rid of them. Contains information on the various species of tapeworms and their stages of life, as well as answers to common tapeworm questions. There are also large diagrams of how tapeworms get into dogs and cats. A definate pet-owners site. Rating: 5 wiggles
Tapeworms
- If you own sheep or any kind of related animal, this is your tapeworm site. A site about the types of tapeworms found in sheep and goats. Contains diagrams and drawings, as well as data organized under headings for easy reading. Also, it has diagrams of tapeworms in sheep. Rating: 3 wiggles
Out of Africa- The Origins of the Tapeworms
- An interesting article that looks at the tapeworm in a historical context. It tells of how the tapeworm came to be, and its history. It also describes the disease caused by tapeworms in their hosts and the truth about who got tapeworms first- the livestock or the humans. Best for high school or college students. Rating: 4.5 wiggles
Planarians
Flatworm Facts
- A page containing eleven flatworm facts that are easy to read and understand. A simple flatworm diagram shows the parts of a planarian flatworm. It incluses a quiz at the end. Good for teachers who want to do a flaworm disection, or for young students. Rating: 3 wiggles
Planarians.org
- What's a planarian? This site has all the answers. It is dedicated to Planarians, found in the only type of non-parasitic flatworm, class Turbellaria. Although there is mostly basic information on the site itself, it does contain a huge number of links to other Planarian websties. It also has some very close-up and detailed photographs of this type of worm. Best for middle to high school students. Rating: 4 wiggles
Photos
Marine Worms- Photos
- Need pictures for a report? This site is what you're looking for. An English/German site with over sixty photos- all of flatworms! Includes pictures of genus maiazoon, pseudoceros, pseudobiceros, mating flatworms, unidentified flatworms, and genus waminoa. The photos can even be enlarged. It also includes links to other photo sites and sites on other marine animals. Great and easy to use. Rating: 5 wiggles
Content by Michelle G
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/listflatwormmi.html
Last revised Thu Mar 11 13:34:21 US/Pacific 2004
