There are two simple phyla or worms:
Flatworms and roundworms.
Earthworms are not included in these groups.
They are more complex..
Flatworms belong to the phylum Platyhelminthes.
Their bodies are flat.
They live in water.
Some are parasites, like tapeworms,
living on
or in another organism.
One example of a flatworm is Planaria.
Planaria:
1. Are Free-swimming; can move using cilia
2. Have two eyespots
3. Live in moist places
4. Have a mouth and digestive tract
5. Reproduce sexually or asexually
A very interesting fact about Planaria is that they can
regenerate ( be cut in half and grow back two Planaria)!
Roundworms are in the Phylum Nematoda.
They include heartworms, like your dog might get.
Some are parasites.
They are more complex than the other organisms we
have discussed as they have two body openings:
Mouth and anus.