Flatworms are a characteristic of which phylum?

Flatworms belong to the phylum Platyhelminthes. This group is characterized by their flattened body structure, which is a key feature that distinguishes them from other invertebrates. Members of this phylum can be free-living or parasitic and include notable examples such as planarians, flukes, and tapeworms.

Platyhelminthes are known for having bilateral symmetry and a relatively simple body plan, lacking coelomic body cavities and a complete digestive system in many species. This structural adaptation allows for various ecological roles and life strategies, including complex life cycles in some parasitic flatworms.

Understanding the distinct characteristics of flatworms and their classification within Platyhelminthes is crucial in the study of biology and helps to differentiate them from other phyla like Nematoda (roundworms), Echinodermata (like starfish and sea urchins), and Porifera (sponges), which have entirely different body structures and biological functions.