Flatworms

Habitat

Flat worms seem to habits in a few environments. Those habitats include ponds, sea, tropical forest floors and streams. But in general flatworms can be seen in any damp areas.

Diet

When it comes to diet the flatworms are generally herbivores when they are young and as an adult they are carnivores. When they are young they eat algae and other plants and as they grow they eat meat.

Importance

Though harmful, flatworms are also useful to mankind. Because they eat the insidious snail thus helping to develop a balanced food chain.

Reproduction

Reproduction in flatworms is very interesting. The male and female reproductive organs are found in a single worm. So the worms can fertilize themselves. Sometimes they cross fertilize to fertilize another female and can fertilized themselves.

Harm To Humans

Flatworms lead to Schistosomiosis the second deadly human disease. This disease affects the central nervous system of the body. The disease is also known as snail fever. This disease can lead to serious liver damage and the parasite can even kill a life.

Examples

flukes and tapeworms are found to live in the intestine of a living organism.

Turbellaira, trematodes and planarian are found in waters and are harmful to the sea creatures.