Phylum Platyhelminthes

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Habit and habitat: Members of this phylum are mainly ectoparasite or endoparasite of other organisms but a few species are free living. They live in fresh water, drain; stream etc. and some species live in saline water, some member of this phylum live in damp and moist soils.

Fig: Liver fluke and Tape worm

Identifying Characters:

1. They are flat bodied, worm like diocious and mostly endoparasitic animals.
2. Body is covered by a thick cuticle.
3. Sucker or hooks are present.
4. Flame cell is the excretory organ.
5. Digestive system incomplete or absent.

Example: Taenla solium Tape worm Fasciola hepatica liver fluke.