Phylum Platyhelminthes

Flatworms Flukes Tapeworms

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Phylum Platyhelminthes

The phylum consists of four classes

Turbellaria Trematoda Cestoda

Triclad Flatworm

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Reproduction

Almost all are simultaneous hermaphrodites Parasitic species (flukes and tapeworms) have complex lifecycles, with various hosts and several different larval stages Incredible powers of regeneration

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Nervous System

Free-living species usually have a well-developed sensory system Parasites generally have less elaborate systems.

WHY?

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Taxonomic Summary

Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)

Class Turbellaria Class Cestoda Class Trematoda Class Monogeneans

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Class Turbellaria

Most are freeliving, tiny and inconspicuous

Primarily marine and freshwater

Free-living Flatworm

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Flatworm Body Plans

Exhibit bilateral symmetry, acoelomate, and are triploblastic Parenchyma tissue

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Digestion and Excretion

Mouth is usually located at the anterior end or mid-body on ventral surface Excretory system Contains flame bulbs

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Regeneration

Many species posses remarkable powers of regeneration and repair wounds

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Turbellarian Lifestyles

Most are benthic Posses several nerve cords with a centralized ganglia (brain)

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Phylum Platyhelminthes

Turbellarian Habits

Some species also have a protrusible pharynx that captures food and transfers it into the mouth Can be carnivores or scavenge on dead animals and detritus

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Phylum Platyhelminthes

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs with the reciprocal exchange of sperm Fertilized eggs are released and usually develop directly into flatworms

Muller's larva
Phylum Platyhelminthes

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Class Cestoda (Tapeworms)

Defining characteristics

Scolex Proglottids

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Phylum Platyhelminthes

Proglottids

Proglottids Each animal can be 3,000 4,000 per animal Amazing reproductive output Each may contain several ovaries and 1,000 distinct testes
Phylum Platyhelminthes

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Beef tapeworm

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Phylum Platyhelminthes

Problems of a parasitic existence

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Reproduce within the definitive host Get fertilized eggs out of the host Contact a new and appropriate host Obtain entrance into the host Locate the appropriate environment within the host Maintain position within the host Withstand an often anaerobic environment Avoid digestion or attack by the hosts immune system Avoid killing the host, at least until reproduction is completed
Phylum Platyhelminthes

Class Trematoda (Flukes)

All are external and internal parasites of other animals Leech-like bodies with a sucker at each end Have a gut and welldeveloped reproductive system, never segmented

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Phylum Platyhelminthes

Trematoda Lifecycles

The lifecycle is complex with up to 4 different hosts and several larval types

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Phylum Platyhelminthes

Trematodes of Concern

Schistosomiasis

Chinese liver fluke

Deadly prominent disease in many regions of the world Bores into the skin of the definitive host and travels in the circulatory system to the heart the lungs and the kidneys where it feeds and grows Inflammation is caused by eggs becoming trapped in the hosts tissues

Lives in the bile duct of humans, cats, and dogs (1-2 cm.) Goes through two intermediate hosts Infection occurs from ingestion of raw fish

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Phylum Platyhelminthes